Jordan Pickford makes England 'challenge' admission as Everton ace matches Three Lions legend

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has spoken of the future with a new England manager as he draws level with Gordon Banks on 73 senior caps.

The Toffees goalkeeper is expected to surpass the nation's only ever World Cup-winning goalkeeper in the New Year, by which time Thomas Tuchel will have taken the reins as the new manager.

Pickford is also fast closing in on 300 appearances for his club, having claimed all of his Three Lions caps while an Everton player, and admitted every time he pulls on an England shirt it is a "challenge".

"Congratulations - you've reached 73 England caps, equalling Gordon Banks. What does that represent?", Gabriel Clarke on ITV1 asked Pickford [17 November, 16:07] as he was preparing for the contest at Wembley against the Republic of Ireland.

"That I play for a very good side, with England. We've got to European finals, World Cup semi-finals, quarters," he responded.

"Every game is a challenge but we're excited to be heading into the New Year after this with a new manager."

Jordan Pickford heading for legend status for club and country

Pickford is working towards attaining legend status for both Everton and England, and has shown a buoyant attitude which has made him one of the modern game's likeable characters.

His down-to-earth background in the North East and the promise he showed across his early years at Sunderland and loan spells were always going to set him up for a superb career.

Everton have certainly been the beneficiaries of that. For the England fans among the Goodison fanbase, despite recent claims the club could be holding back their stopper, it has been a twofold reward.

Pickford has gained plaudits for the impact he has had both domestically and on the international scene, with a point often raised that the Toffees would have already experienced Championship football without him.

With his heroics during his six years with England - which has felt longer with his dominance of the number one spot - Pickford provides the platform for his nation to eventually go on and win something - it's up those in front of him.

In other Everton news, Orel Mangala could already be sweating on his future on Merseyside.

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