Jordan Pickford believes his best years as an England international are still ahead of him despite his position as number one coming under threat for the first time.
The Everton goalkeeper was left out of England’s opening two Nations League matches against Spain and Czechia as boss Thomas Tuchel wanted to give James Trafford a chance.
He will be restored to the side for matches against Croatia and the return leg against Czechia, but Pickford is now facing serious competition for the first time in eight years.
But Pickford said: “I’m 32 now, you see keepers playing still at 40, still playing at the highest level. It’s about me focusing on myself; I set myself my own goals.
Jordan Pickford’s starting spot for England has come under threat for the first time (PA)
“I want to push boundaries and keep improving and keep going to be the best version of myself.
“I’ll never stop until I stop. I’m not slowing down, I think I’m only getting better.”
Pickford’s stint on the bench is unusual for him, having been the first-choice goalkeeper since before the 2018 World Cup.
But he took the situation in his stride and was determined to provide support for Trafford.
“It is not often I do that,” he said of his bench-warming. “The manager told me the reasons why. It was good for me to see where I’m at.
“It’s about me being a good team-mate with good energy around the place and train well and have that leadership role.
“I think I’ve done it really well over the last two games.
“It’s not normal for me, but first and foremost, the manager asks to be the best team-mate. I love playing but if I’m watching, I just want the best for England and that’s to win and I think I dealt with it really well.
“It was different, but we have also been together in a cycle now for two years.
“Trafford started really well for Leeds. It’s been a good unit around us for the last two years. That’s what the manager said and you have to respect that decision.”
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