Jordan Pickford: England keeper backs himself before Euro 2024 opener against Serbia

Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope have challenged Pickford for his starting spot, but the former Sunderland keeper remains the man in possession.

“That makes me want to improve. I’ve got the jersey and I want to keep pushing forward. They need to chase me,” Pickford said.

“If I keep improving, the competition has to improve – that’s what I think is good about the England goalkeeper situation at the minute. There’s a lot of good goalkeepers.”

Pickford is one of five senior players with over 50 caps in the 26-man England squad.

With Harry Maguire injured and out of the tournament, it appears likely that 23-year-old Marc Guehi will step into the centre of defence.

Pickford believes his own experience can help to smooth the transition to major tournament football for any young defender coming in.

“It’s easy,” Pickford said, when asked about playing with England newcomers.

“They’re there because of talent.

“When they’re talented, I can help them, guide them, because I can see the full pitch and my communication is hopefully a key to help them.

“That’s what I think I’m good at. They know what they’re doing in front of me.”