England laboured to an opening-night win over Serbia yesterday, in a match that would even have had Everton supporters questioning the attacking intent of their side.
Having witnessed some truly turgid Sean Dyche football last campaign, in what felt like a necessary evil to grind out the points needed to survive, the fanbase was put through the emotional wringer as they were treated to some horrific performances.
In the end, it all worked out quite well, but this was a campaign not without its hurdles.
Fortunately, in the big moments they boasted big players, and at present, there are few within Goodison Park as proficient in these occasions than Jordan Pickford.
Jordan Pickford breaks brand-new England record
Kickstarting their European Championships campaign, it was far from the comprehensive statement of intent that Gareth Southgate would have wanted, but a win remains a win.
And at times England did sparkle, with Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden interchanging nicely before the latter fell into obscurity.
However, despite the former stealing the headlines, as he often does, it is Pickford who too has been gaining adulation.
After all, not only did he remain sharp to deny Dusan Vlahovic from a stunning long-range equaliser, but in doing so he also retained his clean sheet, a tenth at a major tournament for England. This saw him equal Peter Shilton’s record, and it is surely a matter of time before he surpasses that.
The 30-year-old reacted, speaking to BBC Sport: ‘A great achievement personally, but I will never take plaudits myself.
‘I have a full 11 that help me and I am just there when the lads need me.
‘To be up there with Peter Shilton is a great privilege.’
Everton are blessed to have Jordan Pickford in goal
Although the national media are preaching to the choir when they tell Evertonians they have a gem in Pickford, it is still nice to hear.
After all, this is a fanbase that has gone through extreme hardships to support the former Sunderland man, desperately trying to inform the masses that he is in fact as good for club as he has been for his country.
Few would listen, until recent years, when the 62-cap superstar has stepped up in their darkest hour to drag them from relegation turmoil.
Last season felt like the first time in years where the statistics actually exhibited his true brilliance too, with a capable backline ahead of him that helped the Toffees secure 13 clean sheets, beaten only by Arsenal, whilst conceding the fourth-least goals in the Premier League.
He may be a little bit unorthodox, and some might question his methods, but Pickford is revered on Merseyside and rightly so. Everton fans know how lucky they are to have him in their net.