Jose Mourinho explains Jordan Pickford concern ahead of England’s Euro 2020 final
Harry Redknapp on supporting 'all home nations' at Euro 2020
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Jose Mourinho has expressed his concern over England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2020 final against Italy. The Everton goalkeeper has enjoyed a phenomenal tournament but suffered a few nervy moments against Denmark on Wednesday.
Pickford is a sure starter at Wembley Stadium this weekend after repaying Gareth Southgate’s faith in him at Euro 2020.
The 27-year-old is already confirmed to win the Golden Glove after keeping five clean sheets in six games this summer.
Mikkel Damsgaard’s stunning free-kick in Wednesday’s semi-final was the only goal he’s conceded all tournament.
However, for the first time this summer, he endured a few dodgy moments that luckily didn’t cost his team as they roared onto a 2-1 win after extra time.
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Mourinho has had his say on both England and Italy’s defences ahead of Sunday’s highly-anticipated final.
The AS Roma manager thinks Pickford needs to ‘calm down’ and suggested avoiding mistakes is more important than making saves as a goalkeeper.
He told talkSPORT: “He was the only one who showed signs of not being at the top of his game. That urgency of playing immediately.
“The guy has to relax and calm down. Between him and the other keepers and the coaches to try to relax him.
“The biggest thing about a keeper is not to make impossible saves but to not make silly mistakes. Don’t create instability.
“If you feel pressure, don’t try to play out from the back, kick it long. Don’t put your team under pressure.”
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Mourinho was all praise for Italy’s defence and notably spoke highly of Roberto Mancini’s starting centre-backs, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.
“I told Rashford after the game [Juventus vs Manchester United] that these two centre-backs should go to university to teach,” Mourinho explained.
“You don’t see many centre-backs like this now. They prefer to have a target man and not the ones attacking the lines like Sterling.
“Mancini did a good job not just tactically but with the group and mentality.
“As positive as England is and the waiting, Italy are pretty confident.”
Italy also have a reputation for their solid defence but have been leakier than England in the knockout stages.
Gli Azzurri conceded once in their round-of-16 clash with Austria, against Switzerland in the quarter-finals and then Spain in the semi-finals.
It’s set to be a fascinating contest at Wembley this weekend, and Pickford will be looking to end a brilliant campaign on a soaring high.
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