Pickford had a shaky beginning to the tournament, at blame when he conceded at his near post as DR Congo went ahead against England in Atlanta, before captain Harry Kane’s late double secured their progress.
In the intense atmosphere of the Azteca, however, Pickford delivered his best performance for England, producing two superb saves in the first half from Mexico striker Raul Jimenez, followed by an outstanding control of his penalty area during a chaotic second period.
“It was an incredibly courageous goalkeeping performance,” said Robinson. “I truly respected his actions in that second half, and his two first-half stops kept the team in the match. They could have been out of contention by the break without him.”
Pickford received widespread acclaim for the manner in which he dominated his box, proactively claiming crosses and corners as England, reduced to 10 men after Jarell Quansah’s early second-half dismissal, were put under extreme pressure.
“He made the choice to assert himself. He came for crosses, decided to challenge for balls, making things simpler for his defenders because of his excellence.
“The simplest option for a keeper is to stay on your line because you avoid criticism. You can’t make an error if you stay on your line, but he showed maturity and valor.
“He demonstrated how his game has progressed by leaving his line, making those choices, and taking bold decisions. That’s where you witness his evolution.
“Jordan shouldered the responsibility, punched the ball, caught the ball, and made life easier for his defenders.
“He isn’t bothered by which players are in front of him. It doesn’t unsettle him. He’s played with a different defensive line in most games, with the full-backs rotating and a shift in central defence.
“The players are familiar with him and have faith in him. I believe a strong rapport exists there.”
And Pickford’s Mexico masterclass can boost England’s belief as they attempt to overcome a formidable Norway side and their star striker Erling Haaland, who showcased their danger by defeating Brazil 2-0 in the last 16.
“I think Jordan Pickford’s belief will be at its peak and the team’s will be too following their victory over Mexico,” added Robinson.
“I challenged them on air when Thomas Tuchel switched to a back five after 71 minutes. I was contemplating that I wasn’t certain they would hold on, and that would have been a criticism he would have faced.
“It ultimately worked out and Jordan Pickford was a major reason for that success.”
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