Jordan Pickford claims he is getting better and warned James Trafford he wont give up the England number one shirt without a fight. Pickford has been first choice for his country ever since making his international debut in 2017 but had to watch from the bench as Trafford was preferred for Englands Nations League games with Spain and Czechia over the last week.The Everton goalkeepers presence at Fridays news conference suggests he will start Saturdays game against Croatia in Rijeka and Pickford rubbished suggestions it was time for Trafford to be given a run.Im 32 now, you see keepers playing still at 40, still playing at the highest level. Its about me focusing on myself; I set myself my own goals, he said.I want to push boundaries and keep improving and keep going to be the best version of myself. Ill never stop until I stop. Im not slowing down, I think Im only getting better.Pickford has not had much competition for a place between the sticks in recent years but Trafford has impressed when playing in Englands various youth categories and has made a promising start to his career at Leeds after moving to Elland Road from Manchester City over the summer.I feel for me personally its always good to have good competition, Ive always said in interviews Ive always wanted that competition, added Pickford. We have a good crop of goalkeepers coming through and its a credit to England to have that and may it continue for longer.Ill always push myself to be the best version of me and keep getting those caps. You cant let your foot off the gas at any time, you want to push yourself to be who you want to be.Pickford happy with how hes coped being back-upDespite performing an unaccustomed back-up role this week, former Sunderland stopper Pickford has been pleased with how hes adapted.Yeah it is not often I do that [be back-up], he said. Club or country.The manager told me the reasons why. It was good for me to see where Im at. Its about me being a good team-mate with good energy around the place and train well and have that leadership role. I think Ive done it really well over the last two games.Its not normal for me, but first and foremost, the manager asks to be the best team-mate. I love playing but if Im watching, I just want the best for England and thats to win and I think I dealt with it really well.It was different, but we have also been together in a cycle now for two years. Traffs started really well for Leeds. Its been a good unit around us for the last two years. Thats what the manager said and you have to respect that decision.Pickford wants World Cup repeat when England take on CroatiaSaturdays game is a repeat of Englands opening game of the 2026 World Cup finals which they won 4-2 in Dallas after a strong second-half display.And Pickford is hoping for a similar front-footed approach as England look to build on Tuesdays 2-0 victory in Prague.He said: Yeah I think its visible to see how aggressive we were in the second half against Croatia at the World Cup and we didnt let our foot of the gas. I think it was a bit edgyfirst group game of the World Cup. It was always going to be a bit cagey, we wanted the second half to be the first half because of the standards we set ourselves. Topics Croatia National Football Team England National Football Team Everton F.C. James Trafford Jordan Pickford Leeds United F.C. Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Tuchel admits Manchester City verdict has been a hot topic in the England camp ahead of Croatia clash Jon Fisher 2nd October, 2026 Croatia v England: Preview, expected line-ups, stats and where to watch Mitch Fretton 2nd October, 2026 Ivan Toney pleads not guilty to alleged nightclub assault in London Mitch Fretton 1st October, 2026 Tuchel opens door for Bellingham to play as a nine for England but says it will be impossible to replace Kane Cian Cheesbrough 30th September, 2026 Gordon showing he belongs as Tuchel hails Alexander-Arnold and excellent Hall Nicholas McGee 29th September, 2026 Lamine Yamal makes Ballon dOr claim after starring for Spain against Croatia Mitch Fretton 29th September, 2026
