Jordan Pickford, England's number one goalkeeper, should be taking penalties in any World Cup shootouts — not just saving them, according to his former PE teacher. Jim Welch, 71, taught Pickford at St Robert of Westminster RC school in Washington, and recalls that a teenage Pickford played in midfield for many years at school, possessing a powerful left-footed shot.
Early Years at School
Welch first met Jordan when he came to school with his grandmother at just four years old. He said: 'I think he would be really good at penalties. And I don't just mean saving them — he can take them as well. He wanted to play out at school and his left foot was tremendous. He scored many goals for me from 30 yards.'
The retired teacher, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, added: 'When I played, I could not hit the ball that hard and I'm surprised by how good he is with his passing. If he took a penalty, he would be good and I would be confident about him scoring.'
A 'Fearless' Character
Welch, who has been retired for 10 years, described his former protégé as 'fearless' and noted his self-confidence. 'He has real self confidence now and is much calmer. I would not put it past him to step up and take one — he would score nine times out of 10 in my view. I know a lot of players including Gareth Southgate have missed penalties but Jordan has done well for England saving them and I think he could score too.'
Welch also praised Pickford's overall game: 'He has calmed down a lot and his overall game is much better. He has made some great saves this season including one from Sandro Tonali at Newcastle — a tremendous shot and a tremendous save. I will be watching if my wife lets me!'
