Jordan Pickford's former PE teacher has claimed that the England goalkeeper should be taking penalties in World Cup shoot-outs, not just saving them. Jim Welch, 71, who taught Pickford at St Robert of Westminster RC school in Washington, Tyne and Wear, said the 32-year-old has a 'tremendous' left foot and scored many goals from midfield during his school days.
Midfield origins
Welch first met Pickford when he was just four years old, brought to school by his grandmother. He recalled that Pickford wanted to play outfield at school and possessed a powerful left foot. 'He scored many goals for me from 30 yards. When I played, I could not hit the ball that hard and I'm surprised by how good he is with his passing,' Welch said.
Welch, now retired for 10 years, described Pickford as 'fearless' and believes he would be confident in taking penalties. 'If he took a penalty, he would be good and I would be confident about him scoring. He would score nine times out of 10 in my view,' he added.
Calmer and more confident
Welch noted that Pickford has calmed down significantly since his school days, attributing this to his family life. 'He is married with three children and that changes you. He has real self confidence now and is much calmer,' Welch said. He last saw the England stopper in March and praised his overall game, including a great save from Sandro Tonali at Newcastle.
Pickford's former teacher also recalled the goalkeeper's determination from a young age. 'I had a feeling he would go all the way to the top. He was always determined that he was going to be a professional footballer,' Welch said.
Mental preparation
Pickford previously revealed that he worked with a sports psychologist before Euro 2020 to improve his mentality. 'We talk about everything. We cover a lot of bases: mentality and how to be better in all aspects,' Pickford told evertonfc.com. 'He can help me develop my thinking and learn how to cope with various things and get through sticky patches.'
Welch, who was head of PE at the school for 41 years, expressed immense pride in seeing Pickford play for England. 'I am over the moon for him and his family,' he said.
