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Jordan Pickford injury revelation: Will goalkeeper miss England's World Cup semi-final?
JORDAN PICKFORD has revealed how he picked up a bizarre injury against Sweden, but insists he will be fit to face Croatia in the World Cup semi-final.
Pickford, England’s penalty shootout hero from the last 16 clash with Colombia, tried to punch the floor in frustration against Sweden, but missed and his his knee.
“It was a daft injury by myself,” he said.
“I went to punch the floor but ended up punching my knee and hurt my thumb.
“It was a bit of anger. But I’m a man not a mouse. I’m fine. I’ll live another day won’t I?”
Pickford has been one of the top performers in Russia as England have made it to their first semi-final in 28 years.
They face Croatia on Wednesday in a bid to reach the final against either France or Belgium.
England comfortably beat Sweden but Pickford was still needed to protect his net.
“It was a different type of game today but we don’t want to be going into a penalty shoot-outs every game,” he said.
“It’s my job to help the team when I’m called upon to make those saves and if I make sure I’m set and in the right position – which I was – I give myself every chance.
“Myself, the other keepers and our coach Martyn Margetson work hard every day to make these saves become a bit easier.
“It’s all about the crucial timing of a save. But it’s also being in the right position at the right time. And that’s what we focus on.
“We do about 600 saves a week just to make one save on a Saturday and that’s what it’s all about.”