Jordan Pickford believes that his competition with Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope gives himself — and England — the best platform to improve going into the Qatar World Cup.
Ramsdale’s form for Arsenal this season presents the first major challenge to Pickford as England’s No 1, a role the Everton goalkeeper has occupied since 2018.
But Pickford was full of praise for the 24-year-old, speaking at a press conference at St George’s Park on Tuesday afternoon.
“Yeah, ‘Rams’ has had a really good season; first season at Arsenal and he’s been unbelievable,” Pickford said. “But for me, it’s always concentrating on yourself as well.
“You always want challenges, as a footballer, you always want to be getting pushed.
“I really enjoy those challenges, and I want to be number one for England for longer.
“You want other people playing well, you want other people pushing, so I think when we’re training together, we’re pushing each other every day to get better and better.”
Pickford has also enjoyed a stellar personal campaign, despite Everton’s struggles as a team. The 28-year-old kept seven clean sheets, with Ramsdale keeping 12.
Pickford also addressed his own form, which saw him contribute impressively in wins over Chelsea, Leicester and Brentford as Everton secured Premier League survival.
“I am commanding on the pitch and quite vocal,” he added, “but I also have that calm demeanour and try and make the right decision at the right time.
“It looks like I am pumped up but I have that calmness about me as well now.”
Pickford has 43 England caps after making his debut in 2017. Ramsdale has just one after debuting last year.
(Photo: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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