- Pickford discusses Everton progress, new stadium, and World Cup.
- Everton’s number one reflects on improvement and future ambitions.
- England’s number one targets success for both xclub and country.
Jordan Pickford has been a mainstay at Everton for nearly a decade. With 355 appearances for the Toffees, he sits 25th on the club’s all-time appearances list.
Only Seamus Coleman (372) has made more appearances for their current club than Pickford (327). Jordan Pickford also has 82 England caps.
As the season winds down, Pickford spoke about Everton’s progress, the new stadium, and his World Cup ambitions.
‘We’ve made a lot of improvements’
Jordan Pickford believes Everton are heading in the right direction. “It’s been good, a lot better. I think we’ve made a lot of improvements overall. You look at the wins and performances away from home we’ve had, then, more recently, the buzz we’ve created around Hill Dickinson Stadium – the Chelsea game being the standout – it’s been positive.
“In truth, we’ve probably left a few points out there which would have put us higher than where we currently find ourselves, so that’s a bit frustrating but from where we’ve been to where we are now, both as a team and as a club, it’s definitely going in the right direction.”
Pickford criticises Monday night kick-offs
Jordan Pickford is excited about Everton’s new home. “I love it, I really do. Look, the history of Goodison will always be there. We said it was a new chapter moving into this stadium and that’s exactly what it is. It’s an amazing stadium.
“I think the toughest thing this season has been the fans maybe not having as many Saturday games as they – and we – would have liked. You look back at games like the 3-0 win over Chelsea and the atmosphere for that and it’s incredible. It’s more difficult to replicate that feeling on Monday nights and kick-off times like that. But we know the fans will always bring the passion, regardless of where or when we’re playing. That’s what they do.”
“I love the stadium and I love that the fans have bought into it as well. The noise you hear is right up there, isn’t it? It can be absolutely bouncing. It’s up to us to give them more action like that to cheer about.”
On his future, Pickford is fully committed. “Whether we make it into Europe or just fall short, there’s been clear progression we want to continue, and that’s why I committed my future here. Whatever happens, I’ll come back flying for the start of the season and we want to succeed.”
‘I never get nervous’, Pickford on England and the World Cup
Pickford is preparing for his fifth major tournament. “I’m young. I read recently that Ochoa from Mexico could play in his sixth World Cup! That’s incredible! But, yeah, I feel like I’m getting better all the time, with each game and each training session. That’s always what I’ve strived for.”
He says he thrives under pressure. “Honestly? I never get nervous. I never have done. I enjoy that feeling of pressure. I think those scenarios, those moments, get the best out of me. You’ve just got to enjoy it – the ride, the journey you go on at these tournaments. You’ve got to enjoy every day. You wake up with a smile on your face and take in the experiences of being with the group, being in that environment of a world stage.
“When it comes to the games, it’s superb. We know we’ll be well followed, as we always are, and we want to go all the way and win it. That’s the goal. We’ve come so close and there have been a lot of disappointments but we talk about the journeys and we want this to be our moment.”
Jordan Pickford would be gutted to not qualify for Europe with Everton this season, but the England No. 1 will be hoping for a better outing when he goes to the Summer World Cup with England.
Everton play their last game of the season, away to Tottenham who are battling a relegation battle of their own.
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