Jordan Pickford: “Everyone hates England players’

Jordan Pickford believes the level of criticism aimed at him is disproportionate because he’s England’s number one.

“I think the press and everybody; the punters – look at Gary Neville- they just want to come for England players” he said.

“Everyone gets stick. Some get a lot more praise than others. That’s part of being an England player.

“Everyone hates you, for some reason. I just get on with it. You have got to live with it, you have got to learn. I know what I am capable of and I know what I am good at.

“It is what it is. Look at Joe Hart when he was No 1. He got pelters every week.

“You just keep it away from your head as the only person who can sort things out is yourself as an individual, on the pitch and in training.

“It’s looking after things on the pitch for Everton that is my main aim. That gets you picked for England.

“It’s funny because everyone raves about you when you are with England but then you get back to your club and everyone wants to slate you.

“As a person, I don’t let it affect me. But it does p*** you off.

“I’ve watched the goal. I’m lucky I haven’t done my cruciate, to be honest. My foot planted. It was a foot save and I have led with my hand.

“I couldn’t get my leg out. It was stuck. It happens. But I am mentally strong. I’m disappointed but it doesn’t affect us.

“People probably doubt us week-in, week-out but I know what I am capable of and I know what I can do.

“I will keep pushing. I have reached a certain level and I don’t want to stop.”