Sunday Thoughts: Last night Goal Keeping Performance: staying in the game but not chasing it.

England Norway last night was a tense watch as an England supporter but we win and move on and I hear Tuchel words clear. Effort was high but delivery was not there.

On a different tact both Keepers will reflect and feel they should have done better. Pickford would appear to have lost his angles and awareness pulling his hands away. Whilst the Norwegian keeper Nyland routinely would hold that shot.

But my key observation was around Pickford and not jumping on a bandwagon here but I though that was one of his lower level England Performances. Not because of the goal but what appeared a sense of trying to place himself in the game when not needed. One of the wisest words was said to be as an aspiring professional at 17 but a coach who I will hold with high regards for ever and something I make sure people I coach understand. What he said was don’t chase the game.

My take on that has evolved over years is as follows.

“The game is hard enough when it call you into action. So be present and ready for those moments, don’t go chasing a performance and the game, it will come to you just be patient.”

Hope that can help any young keeper out there.

Good luck

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Sunday Thoughts: Last night Goal Keeping Performance: staying in the game but not chasing it.