'Pickford gets a little bit underappreciated'

Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is sometimes "underappreciated" for his country, believes The Mirror's chief football writer John Cross.

The 30-year-old has 65 senior caps for the Three Lions and he overtook Peter Shilton as England's most-capped goalkeeper in major tournaments after appearing in his 21st game against Denmark earlier in the tournament.

He also moved clear of Shilton to claim the record for most tournament clean sheets with 11.

"You're defined by what happens in the tournaments. I think Jordan Pickford is definitely in the conversation [of England goalkeeping greats]," said Cross on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"When you consider what England have done under Gareth Southgate, I think it's a huge step forward and he only really championed Pickford just before the start of the 2018 World Cup. He's been his number one ever since.

"He's never let us down, has he? He's been super reliable. I think Pickford gets a little bit underappreciated. I think he's a sensational reflex goalkeeper, but he's also got a great ability with the ball. Particularly his long range kicking is really impressive and I do think he needs that sort of appreciation at times."

At club level, Pickford has also been a key player for Everton in their recent battles to avoid Premier League relegation.

"At times it has been a difficult season or two for Everton, but I think the remarkable thing is he's got such a strong mentality whenever he turns up for England," added Cross.

"I always feel that whatever's going on in clubland doesn't really matter and he still produces for for England. I really like him and I think he gives a confidence [to the side]."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds