Jordan Pickford has been backed to handle the pressure of being England’s first-choice goalkeeper at the World Cup by Chris Kirkland.
Everton keeper Pickford has been allotted the No.1 shirt for the tournament in Russia and is expected to start the opening group game against Tunisia ahead of Jack Butland and Nick Pope.
Former England international Kirkland, who worked with Pickford at Preston North End, believes the 24-year-old is a ‘special talent’ and can impress for Gareth Southgate’s side.