The Everton player is putting himself forward as a candidate for a surprise penalty in England

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has confirmed he is ready to step up and take a penalty at Euro 2024 if needed.

The Three Lions prepare for a quarter-final clash with one of the tournament's top teams in Switzerland on Saturday after ending their last 16 match against Slovakia 2-1 after extra time.

Arriving on the other side of the draw from the likes of Spain, Germany, Portugal and France, England are expected to reach the final of the European Championship for the second time in a row. However, given their performance so far this summer, it may require more grueling extra-time battles and perhaps an unbearable penalty shootout.

There is no doubt that England have improved in terms of goalscoring under Gareth Southgate, who famously beat Colombia from the 2018 World Cup in the round of 16 of the 2018 World Cup, and beat their opponents on Saturday on penalties to claim the Uefa Nations League bronze medal. -2018/19. .

However, England suffered another setback in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka missing as the Three Lions lost 3-2 on penalties in Italy.

Pickford is not afraid to take the penalty

Pickford was England's fifth penalty taker as they beat Switzerland 6-5 on aggregate in Guimaraes, Portugal, five years ago – following a 0-0 draw between the two sides.

Admittedly, the third place match in the first Uefa Nations League Finals does not bring the same kind of pressure that you might face in the same situation at the European Championships.

That said, the Everton goalkeeper delivered his kick in style, while being a player known for his skill with the ball at his feet.

Asked this week if he would like to step up again if England's quarter-final against Switzerland goes all the way, Pickford had no doubts.

“Yes, I will go up,” he said confidently (via the Independent).

“I am not the manager but I will train and I will prepare myself. Everyone should practice because anyone can be on the field at any time.

“The Nations League was a tough game, it went to penalties and we know they are a very good team, they just knocked out the champions of Italy (Italy) and they play very good football.

“They will not be a team that we take lightly and we will have to fully prepare for them and that is what we will be ready for.”