Pickford has 'unwavering belief' for England

Former England goalkeeper Tom Heaton says Everton's Jordan Pickford "knows that he can deliver" for his nation.

At this Euros, the 30-year-old's 11th clean sheet moved him clear of Peter Shilton to claim the record for the most at major tournaments for the Three Lions.

If the team make the final in Germany, Pickford would move to within seven caps of predecessor Joe Hart.

Heaton, who is working with the squad at the tournament, told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast: "Pickford has been absolutely brilliant in an England shirt.

"I've been nothing but impressed with him. He's got a really good array of distribution and he's got the long-range pass, the mid-range, the short range..., every club in the bag.

"Jordan does playing out well and understands where and when to do that, picking the right time for the risk and the reward. He does it really well with both feet, which is a skill in itself.

"But I think a goalkeeper's goalkeeper is someone [whose] priority is to keep the ball out of the net and I think he does that really well."

Despite progressing to the quarter-final stage, Gareth Southgate's side have not hit top form so far. However, Pickford has been spared criticism and made some crucial saves in his four games.

"I think it's difficult sometimes for people to understand there's a lot of spotlight on England players," added Heaton. "There's a lot of pressure to perform, but I think the biggest one is probably the goalkeeper.

"Just because what you're dealing with can be difficult, difficult circumstances, and he has been first class with that. No matter what's going on around him, inside he knows that he can deliver. He has that unwavering belief."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds