Jordan Pickford insists that joining Everton has been the key factor in him becoming England’s No. 1 as he committed his future to the Club by signing a new contract until the end of June 2024.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper has committed his long-term future to the Blues, declaring his intention to earn “legend” status at Goodison by delivering success for the fans.
A summer 2017 recruit from Sunderland, Pickford shone in his debut season on Merseyside, being named the Club’s player, players’ player and young player of the season at the end-of-season Dixies.
He went on to become the youngest goalkeeper ever to represent England at a World Cup finals as the Three Lions reached the last four for the first time since 1990 and expressed his delight at signing a new six-year contract when he spoke to evertontv.
“When I made the move last year I thought Everton would be a great club to come to and the right step in my career,” he declared.
“Getting the opportunity to become England’s No. 1 was down to being at Everton, I believe, and being able to put in solid performances week in and week out.
“Coming to Everton, a massive club with a massive history and seeing how passionate and determined the fans are, it’s inspired me to perform week in and week out and it’s moved my career on, without question.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper has committed his long-term future to the Blues, declaring his intention to earn “legend” status at Goodison by delivering success for the fans.
A summer 2017 recruit from Sunderland, Pickford shone in his debut season on Merseyside, being named the Club’s player, players’ player and young player of the season at the end-of-season Dixies.
He went on to become the youngest goalkeeper ever to represent England at a World Cup finals as the Three Lions reached the last four for the first time since 1990 and expressed his delight at signing a new six-year contract when he spoke to evertontv.
“When I made the move last year I thought Everton would be a great club to come to and the right step in my career,” he declared.
“Getting the opportunity to become England’s No. 1 was down to being at Everton, I believe, and being able to put in solid performances week in and week out.
“Coming to Everton, a massive club with a massive history and seeing how passionate and determined the fans are, it’s inspired me to perform week in and week out and it’s moved my career on, without question.
“I want to play as many games as I can for the Club, that’s my goal now.
"Hopefully, I can continue to progress, become a better goalkeeper each and every day and keep that England No. 1 shirt as well. That’s another aim.
“This is a great club for me and, hopefully, we can get the success for the fans to earn the right to be a legend at Everton one day, each and every one of us.”
One of the star men for England in Russia, Pickford was named man of the match as Gareth Southgate’s side beat Sweden in the last eight to secure a semi-final date with Croatia.
Despite arriving back late for pre-season following his World Cup exploits, Pickford has played every minute in the Premier League for the Blues so far this season and he insists he feels no added pressure.
“I don’t feel any pressure from the World Cup,” he said. “I just want to become the best person as a goalkeeper I can be.
“My focus is on the team here and, as a team, we want to be pushing right up the table as high as we can be.
“There is a lot of strong competition out there but in the next year or two, if we can get into a final of a cup and perhaps win a trophy, that would be a great step forward.
“I am still learning but I hope I am giving the team something, too.”
"Hopefully, I can continue to progress, become a better goalkeeper each and every day and keep that England No. 1 shirt as well. That’s another aim.
“This is a great club for me and, hopefully, we can get the success for the fans to earn the right to be a legend at Everton one day, each and every one of us.”
One of the star men for England in Russia, Pickford was named man of the match as Gareth Southgate’s side beat Sweden in the last eight to secure a semi-final date with Croatia.
Despite arriving back late for pre-season following his World Cup exploits, Pickford has played every minute in the Premier League for the Blues so far this season and he insists he feels no added pressure.
“I don’t feel any pressure from the World Cup,” he said. “I just want to become the best person as a goalkeeper I can be.
“My focus is on the team here and, as a team, we want to be pushing right up the table as high as we can be.
“There is a lot of strong competition out there but in the next year or two, if we can get into a final of a cup and perhaps win a trophy, that would be a great step forward.
“I am still learning but I hope I am giving the team something, too.”
