Everton First Team Goalkeeping Coach Alan Kelly reacts to Jordan Pickford's outstanding performances for England at Euro 2020...

Reaching a European Championship final is a massive achievement but, knowing Jordan Pickford and the winner he is, he’ll still be hurting about last night and how close England came to lifting the trophy.

On a personal level, Jordan was superb in the final, as he has been throughout the tournament.

He’s has been shining light for his country.

It wasn’t just his penalty saves in the final, his performance throughout the 120 minutes was superb. He was faultless.

He was calm, cool and controlled. He stood up to be counted when the big moments happened.

In terms of the penalties, you can do no more than he did as a goalkeeper, making two brilliant saves.

Ultimately, it wasn’t to be for England, but his display was a reflection of his ability and what he’s produced throughout his international career.

He’s a very honest man. That’s one thing you can say about Jordan Pickford. He’ll hold his hands up when he needs to and he’ll always do his best for the team, whether that’s club or country.

You can see he’s brought his personality to the England team and played a part in building that fantastic team spirit they’ve got.

The people who know him best – his friends, his family, and the people who work with him every day at Everton – know what type of character he is.

That’s why we’re not surprised to see him perform so well and carry himself like he has on such a big stage.

He’s going to be absolutely gutted but, with the type of person he is, that inner steel and belief will only enhance his leadership qualities.

That’s something he’s embraced, particularly in the last year with Everton, and also in the Euros with England.

You’ve seen his leadership qualities and how he embraces the responsibility of being No.1.

It’s great when you’re winning, but when you lose a final or lose a game, that’s when you need your characters to stand up.

Individuals like Jordan are who you want in the dressing room in times like these.

He has built up great experience. That’s a European Championship final he’s played in, on the back of a World Cup semi-final, and a semi-final in the Nations League.

He’s played almost 200 Premier League games and been stalwart for his country for coming up to four years.

Jordan’s only 27 but he’s already dealt with so many situations in his career, and that will only help him help others with the devastation of losing a final.

He will get a well-deserved break now and have time away with his family.

He’s had a huge workload over the past year, with almost one and half seasons at club level rolled into one, and then the Euros. He’s due a rest and needs time for his batteries to recharge.

When the time is right, he’ll come back to Everton, we’ll look after him and he’ll have his mind fully focused on the new Premier League season.

For now, Jordan can reflect on an exceptional tournament with England. 

He should be proud of himself, his family will be proud of him – and his family at Everton are immensely proud of him.