Jordan Pickford is determined to sustain his impressive performance levels and play a central role in Everton’s push for European qualification, explaining how he feels in a “good place mentally and with my form”.

England No.1 Pickford was instrumental as the Blues recorded three consecutive clean sheets in recent victories over Liverpool, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion.

Those results propelled Everton into contention for a Champions League position, and while their momentum was checked by a 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Monday, Pickford again produced a series of terrific saves in the Stamford Bridge clash.

The 27-year-old missed four Everton matches in February through injury – his first extended absence since joining the Club from Sunderland in 2017.

Pickford says the break “may have helped me” but added his desire to play every minute possible for Everton made his spell on the sidelines tough to contend with.

“It was horrible,” he told evertontv. “I don’t like being injured. I want to be ready to be called upon in every game possible for the Club. 

“It took a little bit of extra time [to return to full fitness] than I wanted it to. 

“As soon as I was ready, I was itching to play. I was training hard in the gym and getting ready for when I was called upon. 

“Sometimes a little break can help, but it’s not what I want. I want to be playing every week.

“I felt I was in a good place anyway [before the injury]. 

“I think my form is good. 

“Mentally, I’m in a very good place and I’m making those saves and trying to give the lads the best opportunity to get a result. 

“I’m a little bit disappointed with conceding the penalty [against Chelsea], but I'll keep building and keep aiming to get better and better.”

Sixth-placed Everton will aim to put pressure on the teams above them in the Premier League table with victory against Burnley at Goodison Park on Saturday (5.30pm GMT).

Everton remain just four points behind Chelsea, who occupy fourth position, and have a game in hand on Thomas Tuchel’s side.

With European qualification up for grabs and an FA Cup quarter-final showdown against Manchester City on the horizon, Pickford believes the Blues can deliver a memorable end to the season. 

“It was always going to be a tough game against Chelsea on Monday,” he said.

“They’re a very good side but it’s about how we bounce back as a group of lads and as a club. 

“We’re still in the hunt for Europe.

“We need to step up and get ready for Saturday. We need to put in a good performance against Burnley and get that momentum going again. 

“You’re always going to have little setbacks in football and, for us, it’s all about Saturday now.”