"My mentality is key. I always think about how I can be better." Jordan Pickford's work ethic.
Pickford equals Shilton's England keeper tournament appearance record against Serbia.
At 30, Jordan Pickford has never looked fitter and never played better. But is the England No 1, Everton’s Player of the Year for three seasons running, properly appreciated? Graeme Souness believes Gareth Southgate left England’s best keeper, Jack Butland, at home. That might be a Rangers bias, but Souness is not alone in not rating Pickford enough. Some fans question Pickford.
He was asked after England training today whether he felt properly appreciated. “I have 61 caps now,” Pickford responded before pointing out his work ethic. “I work hard off the pitch and on. I do everything right to the best of my ability. I always want to improve. I'm 30 now and I keep improving each day.
“If there's anything I can learn, I keep trying my best to improve. That's what keeps me pushing. That's why it's my fourth major tournament. That's why I have won Everton's Player of the Year for the last three seasons. I know what I'm doing and I know I’m keeping getting better. Hopefully I am appreciated.”
Pickford had just lost a game of darts against a member of the media and was even more mortified by the fact that John Stones and Kieran Trippier were watching on. Like all elite athletes, Pickford’s hugely competitive. It didn’t improve the Everton keeper’s mood that his opponent wore a red top.