Jordan Pickford stole the headlines after scoring and saving a penalty in England's spot-kick success over Switzerland.

Gareth Southgate's men have finished third in the inaugural UEFA Nations League following victory after the game went all the way in Guimaraes.

Pickford was surprisingly picked as England's fifth penalty taker in the shootout with the scores standing at 4-4 after four spot-kicks each.

But it never looked in doubt as he smashed his effort into the top corner of Yann Sommer's goal.

Then after Eric Dier converted to put England 6-5 up, Pickford superbly saved Josip Drmic's effort to secure the win.

Pickford first took a spot kick which he converted emphatically
He then saved the decisive spot kick from Drmic

England were forced to spot kicks following a lacklustre performance which saw them unable to break down the resilient Swiss side.

But the game could have all been decided earlier, if it was not for video officiating.

England had thought that they had won the game at the end of the 90 when Callum Wilson found the back of the net, only for VAR to rule that he had pulled Manuel Akanji before tapping home.

Pickford's heroics helped England secure third place in the Nations League

Southgate's side failed to end their semi-final hoodoo against Holland on Thursday night as they lost 3-1 after extra time, having been knocked out the World Cup at the same stage last summer.

But instead of another fourth place finish, which they achieved in Russia following their play-off loss to Belgium, they managed to secure some glory in Portugal.

Wilson had thought that he had won the game for England late on
The goal was later ruled out for a foul in the build-up

Southgate brought in all the Liverpool and Tottenham stars who were rested for the Dutch defeat, having been given an extra couple of days off after their Champions League final explots.

The Three Lions had boasted the better of the chances in the goalless first half as Harry Kane had a looping shot flicked onto the cross bar by the Swiss goalkeeper.

Premier League assist king Trent Alexander-Arnold produced two wonder crosses, but Raheem Sterling failed to make contact with a low ball across the box while Dele Alli headed over the bar when free.

Gareth Southgate saw his side fall short in the semi-finals for the second summer in a row
It had proved to be a frustrating afternoon on the pitch for England

After the break the intensity of the game improved, with Fabian Schar almost putting through his own goal - with the Newcastle defender bailed out by his keeper and the post.

At the other end Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka forced Pickford into a flying save, which was tipped behind for a corner.

Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson, who had replaced Harry Kane, thought he had scored a late winner.

But after the celebrations have died down after the bundled finish, VAR ruled it out for a foul in the build-up.

England again hit the bar in extra-time but the Swiss held on for penalties before Pickford became England's hero.

Player ratings, by John Cross

Jordan Pickford 8

England's penalty hero as he scored and pulled off brilliant save.

Trent Alexander-Arnold 8

MotM. England’s most creative player, terrific display, now edges out Walker.

Joe Gomez 7

Pace and reading of the game very impressive, now a first choice starter.

Harry Maguire 8

A cult figure with England fans, one lovely turn had them singing his name.

Danny Rose 7

Booked. Excellent, rediscovering best form but came off early.

Fabian Delph 6

Second start in four days, offered little, Southgate needs to move on.

Eric Dier 6

Solid, but can look pedestrian at times, keeps it ticking over.

Jesse Lingard 6

Booked. Lively and always pushing forward, just ran out of steam.

Dele Alli 7

Wasted one big headed chance, but played well generally and made things happen.

Raheem Sterling 6

Missed two big chances which he would gobble up for City. Hit the bar late on.

Harry Kane 6

Much sharper, looked dangerous and a threat. Better all round performance.


Walker, for Rose, 71 mins, 6

Wilson, for Kane, 75 mins, 6

Sancho, for Lingard, 105 mins

Barkley, for Delph, 105 mins

SWITZERLAND XI (3-4-2-1): Sommer 7; Schar 6, Akanji 7, Elvedi 6; Mbabu 6, Xhaka 7, Freuler 7, Rodriguez 6 (Drmic, 87); Shaqiri 7 (Zuber, 65, 6), Fernandes 7 (Zakaria, 61, 6); Seferovic 6 (Okafor, 113, 6).