LEADER OF THE PICK
Jordan uses experiences with club and country to be one of key voices in England squad
JORDAN PICKFORD already has one glittering trophy on his mantelpiece as he prepares for England’s Nations League and World Cup 2022 campaigns.
The Everton keeper won the inaugural Premier League Save of the Season award for his wonder-stop to deny Cesar Azpilicueta during a 1-0 win over Chelsea that proved crucial in his club’s top-flight survival.
It was not Pickford’s only vital intervention in the run-in and he reckons it showed him to be a key figure in the fortunes of both Everton and England.
He said: “That is what I am called upon to do – make those big saves in big moments.
“That (Chelsea) was a massive game for us and to make those saves was great...but I see myself as a leader for club and country and when called upon, I am there to do it.”
Pickford is happy to take on that standard-bearing role as England look to make up for two near misses in major tournaments when they head to Qatar later this year.
He said: “I’m 28 now, I’ve got quite a few caps and you have to be a leader when you’re a bit older.
“I am commanding on the pitch and quite vocal but I also have that calm demeanour and try to make the right decision at the right time.
“It looks like I am pumped up but I have that calmness about me as well now.”
And Pickford reckons the letdowns in the World Cup semifinal against Croatia in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final against Italy in 2021 will spur him and his team-mates on in Qatar.
Asked if England could win World Cup 2022, he replied: “Yes. Obviously it is going to be challenging against the best teams but it is about us having belief in ourselves.
“We’ve come so far and had the disappointment in the World Cup semi-final and Euro final – that disappointment drives us.
“The disappointment was getting so close and losing, getting to the final and losing.
“We are proud of what we have achieved but when you get that close it gives you that added extra confidence to go and win the World Cup.”
Pickford’s late-season heroics caught the eye but the Everton keeper believes it was only a continuation of a long run of good form.
He said: “My consistency levels over the past 18 months have been really good but I just want to keep getting better.”
The England No.1 reckons the way Everton managed to stay in the top flight will give him a psychological boost, saying: “It was a big relief towards the end, there were a lot of emotions.
“Those experiences I think they make you better, no matter what games you’ve played.
“We were in a position we didn’t want to be in but we can be proud of ourselves that we got out of it and take confidence from that.”
Pickford’s main competition with England appears to be Aaron Ramsdale, but it is a threat he is happy to live with.
He said: “You always want challenges.
“I really enjoy those challenges and I want to be number one for England for longer.”
Meanwhile, James Justin admits he has followed in the footsteps of Harry Kane and turned into a gym freak.
The Leicester star spent 11 months sidelined by a careerthreatening cruciate injury and missed his side’s FA Cup triumph in 2021.
Now he has earned his first England call up as he bids to make Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad this winter.
And if he does, the defender reckons he will have Three Lions captain Kane to thank for setting the right example.
Justin said: “Yeah, it’s just about being in the gym, like the top professionals always doing their thing.
“You see Harry Kane in here, first in the gym, getting his body right, doing everything he can to perform on the pitch and play every week.
“That’s something we’ve got to look up to as the younger players, and just mould our game around But it is the
thing to do, obviously to have that consistency, and that is why he is at the top.”
Justin, 24, has gone from hobbling on crutches to making a late dart towards being on the plane for Qatar in November.
And he admits there is no better feeling than being called on by your country.
He added: “It’s a dream come true for everyone to put on this crest. Every kid dreams to play at the pinnacle.
“This is what I’ve got an opportunity to do if I keep on delivering on the pitch, on the training pitch, and being relentless in the gym and preparation. That’s what I’ve got to do to get to that level.”