PICKFORD WILL MAKE QATAR

FRANK LAMPARD has assured England manager Gareth Southgate that Jordan Pickford will be fit for the World Cup.

Pickford damaged his thigh during his outstanding performance in the Merseyside derby two weeks ago and will not play any part in England’s Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany.

Everton’s medical staff have discussed Pickford’s rehabilitation with the FA. As things stand, he is in line to go back between the posts against either Southampton, on October 1, or Manchester United the following week.

‘I’ll be honest — Jordan would go and play on one quad for England in a friendly next week,’ said

Everton boss Lampard. ‘We have to be sure that we do the right thing. I’ve spoken to Gareth and our physios and England’s physios are in conjunction together, making sure we do the right thing for Jordan.

‘And the right thing for Jordan is the right thing for Everton and England. Hopefully it will be in the next two or three weeks.’

Lampard has confirmed that Everton are in talks with Pickford’s representatives and Anthony Gordon about new deals.

‘It’s something we want to do,’ said Lampard. ‘We want to get the right solution.’