[monks data]

International Friendlies

Mar 23, 2018 at 7.45pm UK

Netherlands
0-1
England

FT(HT: 0-0)

Lingard (59')

Ronald Koeman: 'Jordan Pickford destined to be first choice'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 22 March 2018

Koeman: 'Pickford destined to be first choice'

Ronald Koeman says that there is still room for improvement in Jordan Pickford's game, but is confident that the Everton stopper will become England number one.

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman has insisted that Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is destined to be England's first choice between the sticks.

The 24-year-old, who was brought to Goodison Park from Sunderland in a big-money deal last summer, has been tipped to feature in the Three Lions' friendly in Amsterdam on Friday night.

Pickford is in a battle with Jack Butland, Nick Pope and long-serving stopper Joe Hart for a starting spot at this summer's World Cup, and Koeman has no doubt that his former player has the qualities to succeed on the international stage.

"That was the reason why we signed Jordan from Sunderland to Everton - we expected that we signed the new No.1 of the national team of England," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

"He is still a young goalkeeper and he needs to improve but already he is at the level where he can compete at the level of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League."

Pickford has started all 31 of Everton's top-flight games this season, conceding 50 goals and keeping just seven clean sheets.