Tom Heaton says he’s been impressed by Jordan Pickford since he became England’s No.1 but now wants his place in the team.
Having gone to Euro 2016 and established himself as part of the Three Lions squad, Heaton’s World Cup hopes were derailed at the start of the 2017-18 season by a nasty shoulder injury.
The 32-year-old watched on as Burnley understudy Nick Pope broke into the England set-up and capped a fine season by heading to Russia, with club competition then increased by Joe Hart’s summer arrival.
It meant that the former Manchester United youth prospect had to bide his time on the sidelines, although his impressive return to the fold at Turf Moor brought an international recall for this month’s Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Heaton’s return to the England squad comes with arguably the first calls for him to be England’s number one, thanks to Pickford’s recent wobbles.
The Everton goalkeeper’s penalty shootout heroics against Colombia capped a fine all-round tournament, but the 25-year-old’s form has been questionable with the Toffees. “I think he’s been outstanding wearing the England shirt,” Heaton said. “I thought he was incredible in the summer in the World Cup. “I think his performances were really top drawer and it’s never an easy thing to do, putting the England goalkeeper jersey on, and I think he did it superbly well. “We’re here, we compete for the place. Of course, everyone wants to play.
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Try and get your things right and see what the manager decides.” Put to Heaton that Pickford’s drop in form could offer him an opportunity, he said: “I don’t tend to look at it like that, to be honest. I have to say. “I think, for me, it’s about myself, what I do, what each individual does. “Jordan’s performances have been outstanding for England and that’s where it’s at. “I try not to look at anyone else, as ever the thinking is on myself and we’ll see what happens.
“We’ve got a few days training. You obviously try and perform, and try to impress the manager, and see what decision he makes.”
