Jordan Pickford fully focused on England despite big-money Everton move
Saturday 17 June 2017 23:30, UK
Jordan Pickford says he is not fazed by his £30m price tag, insisting his sole focus is helping England succeed at the U21 Euros in Poland.
The 23-year-old became the world's third most expensive goalkeeper when he completed his move to Everton from Sunderland on Thursday.
He capped a stunning week with a penalty save for Aidy Boothroyd's side in the 0-0 draw with reigning champions Sweden on Friday.
Pickford is also now the most expensive British goalkeeper but says he feels no undue pressure as a result of his record-breaking transfer fee.
He said: "It's just a number, isn't it? It's my job to be a goalkeeper and keep the ball out of the net and that's what I've done. I've kept a clean sheet. It's just a number, it doesn't affect me.
"I got the deal out of the way and over the line so I could focus on the Euros. I didn't know too much about it until I came out here but got that done so I could focus on trying to win the Euros.
"When I heard about it and they said they were sorting the medical so it could go through, it's nice to get it out of the way."
Pickford, who suffered relegation from the Premier League with Sunderland last season, was also due to speak to Everton boss Ronald Koeman for the first time on Saturday after his heroics the previous night.
"I've never spoken to him before. My agent did all the stuff. I'm just a lad who likes playing football. I'm not bothered about anything else," said the goalkeeper, who had a medical in Poland on Wednesday.
"He [sent me a] text me wishing me good luck. I was a bit too young to see him as a player but I heard he was a free-kick specialist and that he still takes them.
"I've heard he's a top manager and it will be good to learn under him at Everton. It's been a big couple of days but I'll focus on that when I get back."
Pickford's late penalty save from Sweden's Linus Wahlqvist could keep England in the tournament come the end of the week and they face Group A leaders Slovakia on Monday, live on Sky Sports.
Slovakia beat hosts Poland 2-1 in the late game on Friday and Pickford knows victory in Kielce is now crucial.
Live UEFA European Under-21s Championship Football
"We can't put too much pressure on ourselves. Win two games. We've got Slovakia and then the hosts Thursday in front of a packed house," he said.
"That's going to be an interesting game, but that's what we're here for. That's why we're playing big matches."
