JORDAN PICKFORD is enjoying arguably the biggest comeback of 2021 – with fans certain his new hair is the secret to his success.
Early last season, the England goalkeeper, 25, was dropped by Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti with his future – for club and country – very much on the line.
Around Christmas 2020, Pickford knew he was fighting for his place as Three Lions No1 going into 2021, with the Euros on the horizon.
Nick Pope, Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone and Aaron Ramsdale all enjoyed superb seasons to pile the pressure on the former Sunderland star.
But Pickford showed true grit, determination and focus to bounce back to enjoy arguably the best form of his career.
England have now gone nearly 1,000 minutes since last conceding a goal as they prepare to take on Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarter-finals.
Pickford has looked commanding between the sticks throughout as Gareth Southgate’s side are still yet to let a goal in at Euro 2020.
The Toffees stopper helped keep England in the last 16 game against Germany with a jaw-dropping, reflex save to deny a Kai Havertz thunderbolt, too.
Pickford looked assured throughout the game as the Three Lions secured their first knockout stage win over Germany at a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup final.
And fans have been quick to notice Pickford’s red-hot run of form has coincided with his new long, luscious locks.
EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
One viewer joked: “Pickford’s cruel 1930s public school prefect hair seems to have given him new authority.”
Another said: “Pickford with hair has to be one of my favourite keepers ever.”
A third added: “Since Pickford grew his hair he’s been brilliant. Arguably England’s best player of the tournament.
“I didn’t think he’d ever get his form back but fair play to the lad, long may it continue.”
Gary Neville was among those to praise Pickford’s revival, tweeting: “My MOM last night was Jordan Pickford and I also think he’s been England’s player of the tournament so far.
“I’ve been critical of him with Everton but with England he’s a different player!”
The ex-Black Cats stopper appears to have been growing out his formerly super-short hair since the turn of the year.
And the stats seem to suggest Pickford’s form has skyrocketed since showing off his new barnet.
For club and country, Pickford is better in EVERY, single category imaginable since growing his hair – which is all the more remarkable given Everton’s horror slump in the second half of the season.
The Three Lions hero has twice as many clean sheets to his name, conceded fewer goals, made more saves, committed a THIRD of the errors leading to goals and has even slightly improved his passing accuracy since January.
All eyes were on Phil Foden for dying his hair ‘Gazza blonde’ before Euro 2020, with the squad set to follow suit if they lift the trophy at Wembley next month.
But perhaps they should take a leaf out of Pickford’s book and grow their hair out… it could just bring the World Cup home in 2022.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
