PICKFORD’S IN POLE POSITION
JORDAN PICKFORD has vowed to cement his position as England’s No 1 at the World Cup. As Sportsmail revealed in March, Pickford, 24, is virtually certain of starting England’s tournament opener against Tunisia in 14 days’ time after beating Jack Butland in the race to become Gareth Southgate’s firstchoice goalkeeper.
Southgate appeared to confirm his choice on Saturday, selecting the Everton star ahead of Butland in the 2-1 win over Nigeria.
His superior ability with the ball at his feet and distribution is more conducive to the possession- based pressing style Southgate wants. ‘It’s great for me and the other keepers to have competition - — we’re training hard,’ said Pickford.
‘You’ve got to get in the squad first t because there’s so many good ood English goalkeepers keeping all stepping up to the plate.
‘When you get into the squad you’ve got to train even harder. I always take my opportunities — in football you only get one shot.
‘You’ve got to take it and I’ve always taken it. I don’t show any pressure on the pitch, I show I can play out from the back, I don’t feel nervous. I’m embracing the environment.’
Pickford said he hasn’t been told whether he will start in England’s final warm-up game against Costa Rica at Elland Road on Thursday night, but his selection seems a formality as Southgate looks to give the keeper further international experience ahead of the tournament.
Pickford has made only three senior appearances for England. The other two goalkeepers in the squad — Butland and Nick Pope — also have only seven caps between them.
But Pickford, who conceded his first goal as a senior England international against Nigeria, added: ‘ The only way you’re going to get caps is by playing. ‘I’ve played all the way through the junior age groups and that was my experience. Now I’m on the main stage and I’ve got to play to my strengths.’ Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford is adamant England land will not duck out of challenges against Costa Rica.
Picking up an injury in Leeds would be heartbreaking at this stage of the build-up to Russia. England will play a behind- closed- doors game involving the entire squad on Monday before flying out the day after.
But Rashford said: ‘You have to protect yourself, but if someone’s going in for a 50-50 you can’t pull out because there’s a chance you or him can get hurt by doing that.’