His comments after Belgium’s win against England on goalkeeper Jordan Pickford have sparked controversy and Thibaut Courtois moved to make clear that his words have been misinterpreted after beating Brazil.

The Chelsea shot-stopper indicated that he could save Adnan Januzaj’s shot, because he was a bit taller than his English counterpart. Three Lions coach Gareth Southgate nonetheless backed Pickford after his impressive penalty shootout performance against Colombia and Courtois has clarified his words.”I never mocked his height, I want to make that clear, because I would never mock the height of a goalkeeper,” he said. “I think he is a great goalkeeper and he proved that this year.

“I only said that, because he got a touch [on the shot], I would have saved it because I am 15 centimetres taller, but I never mocked his height.”