Pickford Outlines England Aims & What Moyes Has Added To Everton

Everton’s future looks promising, says Jordan Pickford, who believes David Moyes has made the Club feel like “the old Everton again”, while reflecting on his relationship with the manager that dates back to 2016.

The No.1 shot-stopper for both the Blues and the Three Lions, the only goalkeeper to have earned more England caps than Pickford (75) is Peter Shilton (125). 

Pickford has the opportunity to add to his tally across the next week with upcoming international fixtures against Andorra (Saturday 7 June) and Senegal (Tuesday 10 June) providing a chance for him to overtake David Seaman and Joe Hart in the all-time ranks.

“To get 75 caps is mega,” said Pickford in our exclusive video feature 24/7. “Now, it’s about stepping up and getting more, enjoying it and getting some silverware with England. 

“It shows the hard work I’ve put in, how hard I work on the training pitch and the performances week in and week out because you get picked for England on merit. 

“All my hard work is done with Everton, and the rest takes care of itself.” 

Pickford has been with the Toffees since 2017, winning the Club’s Player of the Season in four separate campaigns.

Idrissa Gana Gueye pipped him to the award for this term, but it was another impressive year for Pickford, who ranked third in the Premier League for clean sheets (12) – behind only David Raya and Matz Sels (both 13).

The Blues' form took a sharp upturn when Moyes returned to the Club as manager in January, with only three Premier League teams picking up more points since his appointment than Everton.

Pickford sees a bright future for the Club, explaining: “I think there were a lot of positives towards the back end of 2024 – with the new owners coming in and giving stability to the Club, the new stadium, the new gaffer, as well. With the manager coming in, we’ve done really well.

“It’s about staying well, getting better and improving as a team – and going into next season firing again and getting off to a good start because the past few years we haven’t done that. 

“I think this manager will demand a good start and demand us to get wins on the board and performances.”

Pickford’s relationship with Moyes goes back a long way, as it was the hugely-respected boss who first gave the shot-stopper regular opportunities while at Sunderland in 2016/17. 

“Big Sam (Allardyce) gave me my debut, and I sat on the bench for the rest of the season, but I had great memories,” remembered Pickford, discussing his early years with the Black Cats. 

“And then [Moyes] came in. Vito (Mannone) started the season and unfortunately got injured with a bad elbow injury. That was my time to take my chance and enjoy the moment.

“I did well. I made a few mistakes, but I was still learning. I played for the rest of the season, learned a lot, and had a great year playing for my boyhood club.”

Already familiar with Moyes’ methods, Pickford says the manager's brought a different feel to the Toffees, while reestablishing a vital connection with the fanbase.

“I remember coming as a fan in the gaffer’s era the first time around and his team battering Sunderland,” added Pickford. “To come back now with the manager here and to have the opportunity to feel like the old Everton – because we’ve had a few rollercoasters over the years. 

“But to get that resilience back and hard work. I think we’ve always been that as a team. I think the manager gets that connection with the fans.  

“To play for Everton Football Club, the connection with the fans is massive. It’s something where I’ve got a great relationship with them over the eight years.”