Pickford wants to cash in on Hart demotion by claiming England No1 jersey

Jordan Pickford believes his chances of becoming England No1 have improved because of Joe Hart’s demotion at West Ham.

The Everton keeper has been impressive since his £30 million move to Goodison, and with Hart currently out-of-favour in east London, Pickford is among the top candidates to become Gareth Southgate’s favoured option before the World Cup.

The 23-year-old acknowledged that Hart’s problems present an opportunity. “Yes, definitely, and hopefully when March comes I will get an opportunity to play again. There are two tough games [against Holland and Italy]. It is all about experience and what will be will be,” said Pickford.

“If that is playing in a World Cup for England that will be the best thing that has ever happened to me, but you have to keep working hard and if it is not me then I will be supporting them all the way, because it is about being a team.”

Jack Butland and Fraser Forster also harbour England ambitions, but Pickford has been consistently good. “I have made my [England] debut, which was a dream,” he said. “If I could go to the World Cup – I would be 24 – it would be a great experience.

“I always want to improve and even if that [being England No 1] wasn’t the carrot, then I would want to keep improving for myself. I need to keep doing my best for Everton. The rest will come.”