Jordan Pickford makes X-rated Everton vow as new motivation revealed

The Everton goalkeeper impressed again for England during the international break

Jordan Pickford has vowed to "work his b******s off" at Finch Farm as he prepares to return to Premier League action. The 30-year-old is adamant playing well for Everton is his best route to holding on to his spot as England's number one ahead of the arrival of new boss Thomas Tuchel.

And that will be his focus, he said, after helping England to comprehensive back-to-back wins over Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

Interim England manager- and former Blues midfielder - Lee Carsley - oversaw those wins, which ended his six match spell in charge. Across that period he handed debuts to eight players.

Pickford retained his faith but is aware he will face new scrutiny over the coming months as Tuchel assesses the squad.

The best way to deal with that pressure, Pickford said, was to show his talent at Everton.

He said: “There’s definitely new energy and there’s going to be a lot of competition for places.

“But that’s what it’s about. You want the best players for England at the right moment and hopefully going forward next year we’ve got that squad ready to win.

“For me, I always say you’ve got to be on form for your club to get picked for your country. I’ve always looked at it that way. That’s what I do. I’ll go back to Everton now, I’ll work my b******s off.

“I’ll work hard on the training pitch, I’ll get myself prepared right for a Saturday and in the game I’ll give it my best shot every time I put my shirt on for the club.”