Jordan won’t stop shouting the odds
JORDAN PICKFORD thinks nothing of giving out rollickings to teammates with a decade more Premier League experience than him.
The 23-year-old Everton keeper believes his willingness to use his vocal power is a key asset in his quest to become England’s No.1.
So whether his target is skipper Phil Jagielka, Wales captain Ashley Williams or even club legend Wayne Rooney, all are fair game as far as Pickford is concerned.
Rooney’s ears were burning during the Europa League game against Hajduk Split when a stray cross-field pass resulted in Pickford having to pull off a crucial save.
“I told him: ‘Come on. Keep switched on’,” he says.
“That’s my job and it comes naturally to shout at moreexperienced players. If you’re quiet, you are making problems for yourself.
“As long as I do it in the right way, and the lads know what to expect, it will help us as a unit.
“I’m always demanding that they keep the ball as far away as possible from me. If we do that then I don’t have to make saves!
“I’m not intimidated by the experienced players because I believe I’m helping them. I can see more of the pitch than they can.
“Nobody’s told me to give it a rest yet, but I hope they do because that will mean I am doing my job.
“It helps me, too, because you can’t let your mind drift. If you’re involved in the game, you should be all right.”
Among the crowd that witnessed Pickford’s third clean sheet on the trot against Split – and his taking to task of Rooney – was England manager Gareth Southgate.
Pickford has played for his country at every level and starred for the Under-21s in Poland this summer.
After his £30m move from Sunderland, he may be promoted to the seniors when Southgate names his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers next Thursday.
Becoming No. 1 is Pickford’s unashamed long-term ambition.
And he’ll have another chance to sway Southgate’s decision against title favourites Manchester City tomorrow.
“I didn’t know Gareth was there the other night, but I just have to concentrate on what I’m doing and put in good performances week in, week out,” he says.
“I will take everything on board to become the best keeper I can be. I won’t stop improving and, hopefully, one day I’ll be England’s No. 1.”