Everton tie Pickford to six-year deal

Jordan Pickford has been rewarded for his World Cup displays with a new six-year contract at Everton.

The goalkeeper, 24, who signed for £30 million from Sunderland, advertised his talents on the world stage with England in Russia in the summer and has now been tied down by Everton until 2024.

“When I made the move last year I thought Everton would be a great club to come to and the right step in my career,” Pickford said. “Getting the opportunity to become England’s No 1 was down to being at Everton, I believe, and being able to put in solid performances week in and week out.

“Coming to Everton has inspired me to perform week in and week out and it’s moved my career on.

“I want to play as many games as I can for the club, that’s my goal now. Hopefully, I can continue to progress, become a better goalkeeper each day and keep that England No1 shirt as well. That’s another aim.

“This is a great club for me and, hopefully, we can get the success for the fans to earn the right to be a legend at Everton one day, each one of us.”

Pickford was linked with several Champions League clubs after his fine form in Russia.

“I don’t feel any pressure from the World Cup,” he told Everton’s website. “I just want to become the best goalkeeper I can be. My focus is on the team here and, as a team, we want to be pushing right up the table as high as we can be.

“There is a lot of strong competition out there but in the next year or two, if we can get into a final of a cup and perhaps win a trophy, that would be a great step forward.

“I am still learning but I hope I am giving the team something, too.”

Pickford kept 10 clean sheets last season and has been an ever-present in the Premier League under manager Marco Silva this term.