Jordan Pickford has been named in Gareth Southgate's England squad for forthcoming matches against Holland and Italy.

The 24-year-old Everton goalkeeper will use the two friendly encounters to push his claims for a place in his country's squad to travel to this year's World Cup in Russia.

Pickford, signed from Sunderland last summer, is a Premier League ever present for the Toffees this term and made his full England debut in the 0-0 friendly draw with World champions Germany back in November.

Southgate's men face Holland in Amsterdam's Johan Cruyff Arena on Friday 23 March before taking on Italy at Wembley on Tuesday 27 March.

The two friendly encounters – against sides which failed to qualify for this summer's finals – represent a valuable opportunity for manager Southgate to formulate his plans for Russia.

England have only two more matches – against Nigeria and Costa Rica in June – ahead of their opening World Cup fixture against Tunisia on 18 June.