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Jordan Pickford is gearing up for his fifth major tournament as England’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Among the current squad, only captain Harry Kane has featured more for the Three Lions at top-level competitions than the Everton shot-stopper, who has been a constant presence between the posts since England’s World Cup campaign in 2018.

His journey as England’s number one began in Russia that summer, with his competitive debut coming against Tunisia. From that moment, Pickford has established himself as a cornerstone of the national team’s modern era of success.

“I’ve always set very high standards for myself – always wanting to improve and be the best,” Pickford told FourFourTwo as he looked back on his development since that opening game against Tunisia.

“This is my third World Cup, and my goal is to win it. I truly believe we’ve got a great chance. I’ve worked extremely hard to reach this point, and I just want to keep showing that I’m the best I can be.”

Pickford admits that nerves are rare for him, but the occasion of that first World Cup match was different. “I don’t usually get nervous, but that Tunisia game was one of those few times I actually felt it,” he said. “Still, what an incredible experience it was – walking out for your first ever World Cup match, representing your country on that stage.”

He adds that with several new faces in the squad, his role now includes passing on that experience. “It’s up to me to share everything I learned from those moments with the lads who are going through it for the first time.”

One of the defining milestones of Pickford’s international career came during the 2018 World Cup last-16 clash with Colombia, when he saved Carlos Bacca’s penalty in the decisive shootout. That moment not only sealed England’s progression but also helped transform the team’s long-standing struggles with penalties.

“That save was massive – not just for me, but for the whole team,” said the 32-year-old. “Everyone could feel that something had changed across the country from that point on. It felt like we’d moved past the tag of underachievers and became a nation that truly believed in itself.”

Pickford reflected on the teamwork behind that success. “That victory came from so much hard work behind the scenes, both individually and collectively. I’ll never forget it – not only my contribution but also the courage of the lads who stepped up to take those penalties.”

“It was a defining moment under Gareth Southgate’s leadership, and a defining moment for England as a footballing nation.”