Just the third part of that label to complete for Pickford now as he becomes an influential figure for both Everton AND England

AHEAD of the start of England’s Nations League campaign, ahead of World Cup 2022, Jordan Pickford already has a trophy on his mantelpiece.

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 side’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 explained: “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.”

And 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’m definitely one of them. 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.”

And Pickford reckons the let-downs in the World Cup semi-final against Croatia in 2018 and the Euro 2020 final against Italy in 2021 will spur him and his teammates on in Qatar later this year.

Asked if England could win World Cup 2022, he replied: “Yes. 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 Euros 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 extra confidence to go and win the World Cup.”

Pickford’s late-season heroics in an Everton jersey caught the eye but he believes it was only a continuation of a long run of good form.

He said: “It was good form but my consistency levels over the past 18 months have been really good and I’ve been really happy with them but I just want to keep getting better.”

And he 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. It was quite tiring... there were a lot of emotions.

“Those experiences you can always take on board and I think they make you better, no matter what games you’ve played. Knowing you’re never out of a game and fighting against relegation is a really hard challenge.

“We were in a position we didn’t want to be but we can be proud that we got out of it and take confidence from that. And we can be confident we can take this on as a team at Everton, but also for yourself it’s a really good achievement.”

At international level the main competition for Pickford, who was sent out on loan while at Sunderland to Darlington, Alfreton Town, Burton Albion, Carlisle, Bradford and Preston, appears to be Aaron Ramsdale but it is a threat he is happy to live with.

He added: “You always want challenges. I really enjoy those challenges and I want to be No.1 for England for longer.”