Jordan Henderson says he will be in England ‘keeper Jordan Pickford’s debt “forever”

England midfielder Jordan Henderson has admitted that he will be indebted to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford forever after his penalty shootout heroics.

Gareth Southgate’s men eventually defeated Colombia in the Fifa World Cup round of 16 fixture on penalties with the score after extra-time sitting at 1-1.

Henderson took England’s third penalty which was expertly saved by Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina, giving the South American country the advantage.

However, Colombia missed their following two penalties – with the second parried away by Everton ‘keeper Pickford – allowing Eric Dier to score from the spot and secure England’s place in the quarter-finals.

Henderson spoke to reporters, according to the Guardian, after the dramatic finish, praising his goalkeeper for overcoming previous criticism.

“You obviously fear the worst when you miss a penalty but Pickers did brilliantly with the save and they’ve hit the bar, so I’m just relieved we got over the line,” said the Liverpool captain, who like Pickford hails from Sunderland.

“We’re a really close group. It’s difficult when you miss and nothing can be said that’s going to make it alright, but it’s not about me. We won in the end, that’s the main thing: a massive win, especially on penalties.

Pickford deserves all the praise after last week’s criticism

Henderson added: “I just thanked [Pickford]. I can’t thank him enough. I’m forever in his debt. He said the Mackems have to stick together.

“He deserves all the praise. He got a bit of criticism last week, undeservedly, so I am so happy for him to achieve that.

“He made some fantastic saves in the game. As for my own penalty, I just went through the process that I normally do, that I’ve been working on.

“Maybe it was a good height for the keeper – if anything, it needed to be higher or lower – but in penalties you can miss or there can be a good save. Thankfully the lads dug me out.

“It wouldn’t put me off taking another but it might put Gareth off. I’d take another one but obviously it’s down to the manager. I would understand if he chose someone else.”

England face Sweden this Saturday afternoon in the World Cup quarter-finals where the winner will face either Croatia or hosts Russia next week.

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