Former Sunderland star Jordan Pickford embraces new England role ahead of World Cup finals | OneFootball

Former Sunderland star Jordan Pickford says England are not far off winning a major trophy as he prepares for a third World Cup finals and embraces a broader leadership role.

The Everton goalkeeper won his 83rd cap as Harry Kane’s goal gave Thomas Tuchel’s side a narrow win over New Zealand in the penultimate warm-up. He was replaced at half-time by Manchester City’s James Trafford, and Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson is likely to get minutes against Costa Rica on Wednesday night.

Pickford is certain to be Thomas Tuchel’s first-choice when Group L opens against Croatia next Wednesday night. He helped England reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, then lost the Euro 2020 final to Italy, and there was more pain with a 2-1 defeat to Spain in 2024 as Gareth Southgate’s tenure ended.

“I think we're not far off. At England we have people constantly winning things regularly. I know, personally, I've not won anything. I'd love to win a lot of things, but my main focus is being a leader around the place and do what I do, use my experience. Since I've been here since the 2018 World Cup, just use that experience if it's young lads, if it need a chat."

The interview was with The Mirror.

Source: Sunderland Echo