Jordan Pickford 'should be taking penalties' in World Cup shoot-outs because of his 'tremendous' left foot

Jordan Pickford 'should be taking penalties' in World Cup shoot-outs because of his 'tremendous' left foot Jordan Pickford's old school PE teacher says he has a "tremendous" left foot, and England's No 1 should be taking penalties, as well as saving them, in the World Cup England's No 1, Jordan Pickford, should be taking penalties in any World Cup shoot-outs - not just saving them, it's been claimed. His former PE teacher told how a teenage Pickford played in midfield for many years at school - and has a powerful shot with his left foot. Jim Welch, 71, taught the rising star at St Robert of Westminster RC school in Washington Tyne and Wear. He first met Jordan when he came to school with his grandma at just four years old. And he said: "I think he would be really good at penalties. And I don't just mean saving them - he can take them as well. "He wanted to play out at school and his left foot was tremendous. He scored many goals for me from 30 yards. When I played, I could not hit the ball that hard and I'm surprised by how good he is with his passing. "If he took a penalty, he would be good and I would be confident about him scoring.” Jim, of Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, has been retired for 10 years and described his old protege as “fearless”. He added: “He has real self confidence now and is much calmer. "I would not put it past him to step up and take one - he would score nine times out of 10 in my view. I know a lot of players including Gareth Southgate have missed penalties but Jordan has done well for England saving them and I think he could score too. "He has calmed down a lot and his overall game is much better. He has made some great saves this season including one from Sandro Tonali at Newcastle — a tremendous shot and a tremendous save. The Mirror first spoke to Jim before England's final defeat to Italy in the delayed Euro 2020 finals of five years ago. He last saw the England stopper in March and he added: "It is maybe because he has a family now - it may have calmed him down. "He is married with three children and that changes you. His mum and dad and his grandparents all used to work at the school. "When he went to Everton, his mum was secretary. I talked to Susan regularly and he came in a couple of times; I still have one of his England tops - I got it framed. "It is hard to describe when you see him playing, I had him in my school team. His mum taxied him everywhere, she had to take him all over for games and training, and she was always there for him. "In midfield for the school, he would pass the ball around with his left foot and score a few goals. I had him for three years and his development was tremendous in those times - St Roberts of Newminister teams, I had him Year 9, 10, 11, from the ages of around 14 to 16." He described Pickford as a 'lovely lad' who was 'a bit fiery' at times. His grandmother Sylvia used to bring him into school as a six-year-old. Jim was head of PE, and had been at the school for 41 years by the time he retired, so has a 'tremendous feeling of pride' when he sees Pickford playing for England. He added: "I had a feeling he would go all the way to the top, he was always determined that he was going to be a professional footballer, he was playing from under 15, so he has been in all the England teams, right the way through the age groups. "I am over the moon for him and his family. I used to see his mum and dad Lee, a plasterer, in Washington and they have all been there for him." Pickford revealed that he saw a sports psychologist to help improve his form before Euro 2020. Pickford told evertonfc.com: “We talk about everything. We cover a lot of bases: mentality and how to be better in all aspects. “He can help me develop my thinking… and learn how to cope with various things and get through sticky patches. I want to be the best goalkeeper for me. And when I am on top form it gives the lads the strongest opportunity to win games, which puts smiles on fans’ faces."