The unusual role ex-Sunderland ace Jordan Pickford could have in huge England v Germany clash

Reports over the weekend suggest the former Sunderland academy product could be handed the responsibility given how cleanly he strikes the ball.

England take on Germany in the last 16 clash at Wembley on Tuesday teatime.

Gareth Southgate’s squad has been practicising penalties and Everton stopper Pickford – who has kept three clean sheets in the group stage of the tournament - is understood to have impressed.

Pickford has scored a penalty for England before, in 2019's Nations League shoot-out against Switzerland when he was named among England's first five takers.

Midfielder Kalvin Phillips said of Pickford ahead of the game: "He’s a very clean striker of the ball. It makes it a lot easier when you have a keeper who could probably score a free-kick as well as a penalty."

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