For a match England largely controlled in winning 2-0, the fact Pickford was named man-of-the-match underlined his contribution to ensuring the Three Lions are still involved in the closing stages.
“Nothing fazes me, the pitch is always going to be the same, same lines, same goal height, it’s just a game of football.”
Peter Shilton, England’s goalkeeper the last time they made the last four, at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, was among those impressed at not just Pickford’s shot stopping, but his character in bellowing instructions to his defence at every opportunity.
“He makes three great saves to help England to historical semi-final place!” Shilton tweeted. “Love his shouting at the defence to organise and motivate them!”
The likes of Shilton, Gordan Banks or David Seaman would have been proud of Pickford’s display.
‘Modern goalkeeper’
Yet, for a country with a rich tradition of goalkeeping greats, there were huge doubts over who Gareth Southgate would select between the sticks in Russia.
Joe Hart started for Southgate in qualifying, but paid for his poor form in a season on loan at West Ham to miss out on the squad completely.
A big factor in Southgate’s decision to go for Pickford was not just his ability to make saves, but his distribution from the back.
In contrast to so many failures in major tournaments gone by, England have dominated possession in every match bar their final group game against Belgium when Southgate named a much-changed side.
“Pickford’s distribution was superb and his save with 20 minutes to go crucial,” said Southgate. “He is the prototype of what the modern goalkeeper should be.”
For one so young, Pickford has also shown impressive mental strength to bounce back in style from criticism for his part in Adnan Januzaj’s goal that handed Belgium a 1-0 win to top Group G.