They formed a queue at the final whistle to shake his hand. First it was Alfie Mawson then Ben Chilwell, Calum Chambers and Mason Holgate; Demarai Gray went one step further and wrapped him in a hug.
Having arrived in Poland with all eyes on him, it was appropriate for Jordan Pickford’s week should end with him as the centre of attention. Above all, though, it was hugely significant after the many headlines and constant scrutiny that he was there, standing tall at all.
Saving a penalty to keep England’s Under-21s in Euro 2017 would have been enough but when you consider his efforts against Sweden came 24 hours after Everton made him the third most expensive goalkeeper in history, they were all the more meritorious.