Former England striker Gary Lineker has explained why England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford must ditch his penalty ‘cheat code’ water bottle after more heroics for England at Euro 2024.

The Everton goalkeeper has made a habit of delivering for England in nerve-jangling shootouts. His crucial saves helped Gareth Southgate’s side to break their penalty curse against Colombia at the 2018 World Cup.

England do their homework ahead of shootouts, with Pickford sticking penalty advice to his water bottle. Said accessory told him to “dive left” when Manuel Akanji stepped up for Switzerland in the penalty shootout last week.

Rivals are, however, now fully aware of his antics and Lineker has told the Rest Is Football podcast: “One player is going to look at that bottle. If you are listening do it differently, do it on a different piece of paper or do it on the post!”

Southgate will be hoping to see England avoid the need for any more penalty drama as they head into the semi-finals of Euro 2024.