Pickford outlines challenge for himself amid competition for England number one shirt | OneFootball

Jordan Pickford says he has embraced the competition for England’s number one shirt despite admitting it has been unusual to spend time out of the starting line-up.

The Everton goalkeeper revealed England boss boss Thomas Tuchel had spoken to both him and James Trafford before the Spain game to explain his plans.

Trafford started in the 3-2 loss against Spain and kept his place for the 2-0 victory over Czechia, but will now drop out of the team for the remaining two games of the international window to be replaced by Pickford.

“It’s not often I do that for club or country, but it was fine,” Pickford said on being named on the bench.

“The manager spoke to us both before the Spain game and told me the reasons why but it was good for me because I want to see where I’m at.

“The manager said Trafford will play two, I’ll play two, and it’s about me being a good team-mate with good energy around the place for those two games, setting standards in training, having that leadership role, and I feel like I have.”

Pickford admitted sitting out games has been a different experience but says he has remained focused on helping the squad.

“It’s not normal for me but being a good team-mate first and foremost is the main thing the manager asks of you,” he added.

“It was different but we’ve been together in a cycle for two years now. Dean Henderson played the third-place play-off against France and Trafford has started really well for Leeds.

“I think it is good for Traff to get a game, good for Dean to get a game, because we’re a good unit.

“You’ve got to respect the manager’s decision and it’s now for me to say how can I break that ceiling again?” he continued.

“I’ve always wanted good competition to push my ceiling higher.

“I’ll always push myself to be the best version of myself. I might have 91 caps but you don’t get picked on that, you have to keep performing.

“There’s always competition there and you can’t take your foot off the gas at any time.”