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World Cup 2018: England hero Jordan Pickford pulls off the best save of the tournament… and it wasn’t replayed on TV

Pickford clawed away Mateus Uribe's thunderbolt but it counted for nothing when Yerry Mina headed in the resulting corner

GIF Pickford

THIS is the incredible save that counted for absolutely nothing.

So it felt like justice for Jordan Pickford when the keeper became England's penalty shootout hero.

Jordan Pickford pulls off an incredible save from Mateus Uribe
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Jordan Pickford pulls off an incredible save from Mateus Uribe

With just second remaining in injury time, Colombia's substitute midfielder Mateus Uribe unleashed a thunderbolt of a strike towards the top corner.

Pickford launched himself to his left, with a fingertip sending the ball wide of goal.

There was no time for a replay before Colombia took the corner, which Yerry Mina nodded in to level.

Naturally, Mina's header was the replay shown next before the game went to extra-time.

Jordan Pickford was England's hero after saving a crucial penalty kick
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Jordan Pickford was England's hero after saving a crucial penalty kickCredit: Reuters
England's players race off to celebrate with Pickford
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England's players race off to celebrate with PickfordCredit: Getty

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE All the latest action, news, goals and gossip from the World Cup

Harry Kane leads the England players mobbing Pickford after his vital penalty save
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Harry Kane leads the England players mobbing Pickford after his vital penalty saveCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

But ITV did not show the replay after the game either, with the spot-kick drama understandably the centre of attention.

Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois mocked Pickford over his 6ft1in height after Belgium's win over the Three Lions.

Boss Gareth Southgate then defended his keeper ahead of the Colombia clash, saying there was a "Cadbury Creme Egg" in difference between Pickford and Courtois.

Pickford, 24, had the last laugh as his save from Carlos Bacca meant that Eric Dier could convert his spot-kick and celebrate England's second success in eight shootouts.

Jordan Pickford celebrates like Ronaldo after England World Cup penalty heroics against Colombia
Pickford throws out his left hand to save from Carlos Bacca
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Pickford throws out his left hand to save from Carlos BaccaCredit: Getty Images

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Pickford pumps his fist after the vital save from Bacca
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Pickford pumps his fist after the vital save from BaccaCredit: AP:Associated Press

Hero Pickford said: "I did all my research. I've got power and agility and it's all about the set position and I got a hand to it.

"We knew we had this game, even if it had to go to penalties — we knew we were capable of winning."

The victory wiped away memories of heartbreaking shootout KOs in 1990, 1998 and 2006.

Pickford added: "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."

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