Sunday 24 December 2017 15:08, UK
Jordan Pickford insists he remains focused on his club form with Everton despite a World Cup spot with England looming on the horizon.
The Everton goalkeeper, who helped the Toffees to an impressive goalless draw against Premier League defending champions Chelsea on Saturday, is vying with Jack Butland and Joe Hart for the No 1 jersey in Gareth Southgate's starting line-up.
Pickford, a summer signing from Sunderland, has shone since the arrival of Sam Allardyce as the manager at Goodison Park and earned the man of the match award for his performance against Chelsea in front of Southgate.
"It [the World Cup in Russia] is still a long way to go," Pickford said ahead of Everton's Boxing day fixture against West Brom.
"I have to keep putting performances in for Everton. I cannot control anything else.
"The main thing is making sure I am on the plane because that will be a great experience for myself.
"There is loads of competition that is why you cannot think about that too much.
"You can do all the stuff on and off the pitch to get there, but the main thing is performing on a Saturday and getting clean sheets is only going to help.
"But I still feel it is a long way away and I just need to focus on grafting away and becoming better and more mature as a goalkeeper."
Pickford made his senior international debut against Germany in November when England earned a goalless draw against the World Cup holders at Wembley - a match he described as a "dream".
"I have made my debut, which was a dream, and if I could go to the World Cup - I would be 24 then - it would be a great experience.
"I always want to improve and even if that wasn't the carrot (England number one) then I would want to keep improving for myself.
"I don't want to put too much pressure on myself whereby I am thinking if I am not performing I won't be in the England squad."
Allardyce, who has praised Pickford's growing maturity, has led Everton to six unbeaten matches since his arrival and the goalkeeper will hope to continue his good form with England next in friendly action against Netherlands and Italy respectively.
When asked whether Hart's poor early season form and Butland's previous injury travails had helped his chance of starting spot he said: "Yes, definitely. Hopefully when March comes round I will get an opportunity to play again.
"There are two tough (friendly) games and what will be will be. If that is playing in a World Cup for England that will be the best thing that has ever happened to me."
