Jordan Pickford makes honest admission over Everton form as private Seamus Coleman message shared

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was speaking following the draw with Newcastle United at Goodison Park

Jordan Pickford has praised the mentality in his Everton side and believes they are finally starting to build some momentum after a poor start to the season. The Blues made it three games unbeaten in the Premier League on Saturday evening when they drew with Newcastle United.

However, Sean Dyche’s side did have Pickford to thank for the point after he saved a first-half penalty from Anthony Gordon. Everton were without Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitalii Mykolenko for the game at Goodison Park, with James Garner and Ashley Young both having to operate as full-backs.

And Pickford believes the manner in which both stepped up and excelled is further proof of the resilience and mentality in the group. He said: “We had a poor start. Games that we were in front, we couldn’t see out.

"Tonight we weren’t at our best, but I think we defended as a team, as a unit, and kept a clean sheet against a very good side and build momentum going into the international break.

“I think that’s why everyone has to be at their best because opportunities come. Jarrad had an excellent end to the season last season, and he came in last week and did quality but then picked up a little knock.

“Keano [Michael Keane] has to come back in and take his chance; he did tonight. I thought Keano did mint. That’s the team, that’s the squad mentality.

“Everyone has to step in. Jimmy Garner done unbelievable at right back. Doing jobs for the team, it’s about the badge more than anything.

“For me, it is about us digging in as a unit, about being ready for the opportunity and do it for the shirt.

“Seamus alludes to it all the time, there’s nothing bigger than the Everton badge for us as a team. We know the type of fans we have, they’re just passionate.

“They want us to dig in, we didn’t get the win, but we got the draw and hopefully they go home pleased.

“The international boys will go away and do well for their nations, the other lads will have a break and train hard in between, get ready to regroup and come back from where we left off.

“We know we need to improve, but we know we’ve kept a clean sheet, that’s our first one, but we have to keep going.”

Pickford will now link up with the England squad for games against Greece and Finland. Former Everton midfielder Lee Carsley will once again take charge, but the former Sunderland man refused to be drawn on whether the 50-year-old should be given the job on a full-time basis.

“It was only his first camp last time, two victories against Ireland and Finland, all we can do is win games and keep clean sheets," Pickford replied when asked about Carsley.

“There’s always change in football, with Gareth leaving after seven or eight years, and the new manager coming in it is always different.

“For me, it is all about learning, I always want to improve, and any way I can get a better version of myself, I will do.”