After the group stage win against England, Belgium goal-keeper Thibaut Courtois slammed English keeper Jordan Pickford with heavy criticism. He believes Jordan Pickford is too short to be a world-class goalkeeper.

Pickford was the hero of the tie-breaker between England and Colombia in the round of 16.

But the Everton No. 1 hit back with a stunning save off Carlos Bacca in the shoot-out that sent England on the way to the quarter-finals.

Pickford appeared to have chosen the wrong side, as Bacca’s penalty flew down the middle. But he did just enough to stick out a hand and keep the kick out.

After the match, Pickford answered to the criticism of the Belgium keeper,

“I have got power and agility. I don’t care if I’m not the biggest keeper because it’s about being there in the moment and making the save, and I was. It is all about the set position, and I got a hand to it. I did all my research. We knew we had this game, even if it had to go to penalties, we knew we were capable of winning,”

“I was in a massive whirlwind, but I saved it with my left hand. I’ve been criticised for going with my top hand, but as long as you save it, that’s all that counts. I might be young but I’ve got good mental strength and experience, and I used that today,” he added.

Pickford also believes the win in the tie-breaker also gave them massive confidence ahead of the clash against Sweden,

“It’s a great night to win a penalty shootout. Ideally, we don’t want to be going to a penalty shootout, but we are delighted for the fans and the whole country. It gives us the belief to go into the Sweden game, and we will get straight back to business tomorrow.”

England now have four days to prepare for their last-eight meeting with Sweden, with that match to take place on Saturday.