Being benched 'not normal for me' but competition 'always good' - Pickfordpublished at 15:54 BST
Image source, Getty ImagesEverton's Jordan Pickford says "it's always good to have competition" after he was left on the bench for England's past two games by boss Thomas Tuchel.
The 32-year-old has been an almost ever-present for the Three Lions since his debut in 2017, making 91 appearances and being first choice at five major tournaments, but Leeds United's James Trafford was the pick for the Nations League defeat by Spain and win over Czech Republic.
"Yeah it is not often I do that [be on the bench] for club or country," Pickford told a new conference before England's Nations League game against Croatia on Saturday.
"The manager told me the reasons why. It was good for me to see where I'm at. It's about me being a good team-mate with good energy around the place and train well and have that leadership role. I think I've done it really well over the last two games.
"It's not normal for me but, first and foremost, the manager asks to be the best team-mate. I love playing but if I'm watching, I just want the best for England and that's to win and I think I dealt with it really well.
"It was different, but we have also been together in a cycle now for two years. Trafford started really well for Leeds. It's been a good unit around us for the last two years. That's what the manager said and you have to respect that decision."
Pickford is set to start on Saturday and in Tuesday's reverse fixture against Czech Republic at Wembley, and believes having the competition from Trafford is a good thing.
"I feel for me personally, it's always good to have good competition. I've always said in interviews I've always wanted that competition," he added.
"We have a good crop of goalkeepers coming through and it's a credit to England to have that and may it continue for longer.
"I'll always push myself at the club to be the best version of me and keep getting those caps. You can't let your foot off the gas at any time, you want to push yourself to be who you want to be."




















