Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford impressed as England came from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1 in an international friendly at Wembley on Saturday evening.
After Breel Embolo’s pinpoint header put the Swiss ahead on 22 minutes, Pickford made a pair of stunning saves to prevent the away side from doubling their advantage.
First, Pickford showcased world-class reflexes to tip a fiercely-struck close-range effort from Fabian Frei onto the crossbar.
The Blues stopper – who played the full game on his 43rd senior England appearance – was then alert once more to beat away a swerving 20-yard strike from Ricardo Rodriguez.
England levelled in first-half stoppage time through Luke Shaw’s rasping drive and, while few clear-cut chances were created after the break, Harry Kane’s 78th-minute penalty –awarded following a VAR check for a Steven Zuber handball – secured victory for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Seamus Coleman, meanwhile, captained the Republic of Ireland to an excellent 2-2 home draw with world number one ranked team Belgium.
Ireland twice came from a goal down at Aviva Stadium, with Chiedozie Ogbene’s superb overhead kick equalising Michy Batshuayi’s early opener.
Belgium forged ahead through Hans Vanaken just before the hour-mark but an Alan Browne header five minutes from time earned the home side a deserved draw.
Right-back Coleman completed the full 90 minutes for the Irish.
England are back in friendly action on Tuesday evening when Ivory Coast visit Wembley, while the Republic of Ireland host Lithuania in Dublin on the same night.
