The competition for goalkeeper positions is heating up. Pickford: Healthy competition within the team is always a good thing.

England's "Three Lions" will travel to Croatia for their third group stage match in Group C of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League. Pickford stated that healthy competition among the goalkeepers is a good thing, as it helps them continuously improve their abilities.

In the previous group stage match, England defeated the Czech Republic 2-0 thanks to goals from Gordon and Kane. Pickford was not included in the starting lineup for that match, just as Tuchel did in the first group stage match.

Everton's England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford said, "Yes, I rarely sit on the bench, either for the club or the country. The manager told me why, and it's a good opportunity for me to see where I am right now."

"The important thing is to be a good teammate, to spread positive energy in the team, to perform well in training, and to take on leadership responsibilities. This is not something I do often, but the manager's first requirement is for me to be the best teammate I can be. Of course I enjoy playing, but if I'm sitting on the sidelines watching, I also want England to achieve the best results, and I think I handled that situation very well."

Pickford shared, “It does feel different, but we’ve been through a full cycle together, and it’s been two years now. James Trafford had a fantastic start at Leeds United, and we’ve built a great team atmosphere around us over the past two years. That’s what the manager was thinking, so we have to respect his decision.”

“Personally, healthy competition within the team is always a good thing. I often say in interviews that I always hope there is competition around me. We have a group of very promising goalkeepers developing, which is something English football can be proud of, and I hope this healthy competition can continue.”

Pickford also stated, "Even at the club, I will always push myself to be the best I can be and continue to strive to play for the national team. I can never let my guard down; I must constantly push myself and strive to become the person I want to be."

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