England Under-21s' Jordan Pickford in focus

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New Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been given a starting berth in England's opening game of the U21 European Championship against Sweden today, while Arsenal's Rob Holding is on the bench.

And the Young Lions were rescued by Pickford with nine minutes left when he capped a fine personal week with a penalty save after Chilwell clattered into Wahlqvist.

But Pickford stood up to Wahlqvist to beat away the IFK Norrkoping defender's chipped penalty before gathering Strandberg's follow-up as England survived.

"It is hard to leave Ajax but I think this is a good step for me now", Klaassen said.

It's been a big week for Pickford, who moved from Sunderland to Everton yesterday in a deal worth an initial £25m, possibly rising to £30m according to The Guardian.

Pickford on the 0-0 draw: "The main thing was not to lose the game".

England will be hoping to pick up their first three points against Slovakia on Monday. We've made a solid start, and we look forward to the next one now.

"It's a great club, a massive club and I think it's a great opportunity and the right time for me to come to Everton".

30m Jordan Pickford embarrasses Linus Wahlqvist as Sweden star tries Panenka penalty in U21 Euro opener

	Posted by Andy Morris
30m Jordan Pickford embarrasses Linus Wahlqvist as Sweden star tries Panenka penalty in U21 Euro opener Posted by Andy Morris

Sweden boss Hakan Ericson on the game: "Linus has scored a couple of penalties for us before".

"But now we've had a game and got that out of our system, it's pleasing for the future".

"I waited longer and held my ground and got to the penalty; that's what you do", the goalkeeper said.

"I am very proud to draw against a famous footballing nation such as England. But we've come away with the draw, and it's down to us to win the next two".

Skipper James Ward-Prowse said: "We need more confidence in our play and a little bit of luck".

"We didn't get surprised by anything they did, but we didn't play our game and we weren't as good as what we can be so that gives us a lot of heart and encouragement going into the next game".

England haven't won their opening game of this tournament since 2009, when they reached the final.

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