The Everton manager has warned his goalkeeper to stay on his guard in the battle to be England's goalkeeper
Comments
Sport
Pickford and Moyes (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Jordan Pickford is on the brink of history for England. He thinks his Everton form has been crucial to his success on the international stage.
The Blues goalkeeper has long cemented his position as the starting goalkeeper for the Three Lions and has played a crucial role in a prosperous era for his country. England reached the semi-final of the World Cup in 2018 and two European Championship finals (2020 and 2024), with Pickford playing a crucial role in each of the runs.
At the start of a new era under Thomas Tuchel, Pickford sits on 73 caps. It means he is on the brink of surpassing the great Gordon Banks (73), as well as Joe Hart and David Seaman (both 75).
READ MORE: 'It's unlikely' - Everton sent Carlos Alcaraz transfer warning as clarity nears over £15m dealREAD MORE: Jesper Lindstrom responds to blunt David Moyes assessment and drops Everton transfer hint
Speaking to the media ahead of England's upcoming World Cup qualifying games, Pickford made reference to his strong form for the Blues and how it has helped him scale such heights on the international stage.
"Every time I put on an England shirt, I've always performed," he said. "At club level as well (with Everton). I've been very consistent over four or five years now, learning about the game, more maturity. When I first burst on to the scene I was that you 23-year-old keeper learning his trade a little bit. Now I've learned, it's about maintaining how can I improve each day and being consistent in games. I've done that over a number of years now.
"That's why I’m level with Banks now and two more caps ‘til I match Joe Hart and David Seaman. I've always looked up to Harty. He was the No 1 when I was a young kid. I've always wanted to be Joe Hart. So it will be a great honour to get those two caps and then push forward and get ahead of them."
While a new manager can often mean big changes, Pickford would appear to be in a class of his own when it comes to England goalkeepers. His strongest competition may come in the form of James Trafford, who is enjoying a record-breaking season with Burnley in the Championship; they have conceded just 11 goals from 38 games this term.
Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson have also been named in the four-strong goalkeeping group.
After a slow start to the season, Pickford has been in brilliant form again for the Blues in and has helped David Moyes' side put together a nine-game unbeaten run in recent weeks.
The Everton manager thinks his goalkeeper will rise to the challenge of any competition and has warned him against any complacency.
"I think so," he said. "I don't know what the likes of Seaman and [Peter] Shilton and Chris Woods and all those ones, I don't know what sort of ages they had their peak period as the England goalkeeper. I don't think going to 34 or 35 is outrageous now for a goalkeeper. So Jordan, if he continues then, could keep it up. He acts like a young boy sometimes, I know that!.
"So hopefully he's able to keep himself in the England squad. You have to play well and you have to show what it's all about. I'm not saying he'll be tested in the England games, but there's always people ready to take your jersey if you don't play well and you've got to keep the top of it."