Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has claimed that representing England Under-21s during the summer will stand him in good stead moving forward.

The 23-year-old played every minute of his international team's Under-21 European Championship campaign earlier this summer as the Three Lions reached the semi-finals of the competition in Poland.

Before the tournament had begun, Pickford made a £30m move to Everton after impressing for Sunderland during their 2016-17 Premier League campaign.

The goalkeeper, who is just one of a number of new players to arrive at Everton this summer, has said that representing his country last month will make it easier for him to settle for his new club at the start of the new season.

Pickford told Everton's official website:

"Playing tournament football will stand me in good stead for the future. In the first game against Sweden I did not really have anything to do - but I made a penalty save.

“That is what I am there to do, make big saves at big times. It is hard these days to gain experience and I was lucky enough to get the number one shirt this summer.

"It was down to me to keep hold of it and do as well for the lads as I could. It will all help for the future.”

Pickford was named on the bench for Everton's 1-0 win over Slovakian side Ruzomberok in the first leg of the English club's Europa League third qualifying round clash last week.

However, he has been tipped to start the second leg in Slovakia on Thursday night as Ronald Koeman's side bid to book their spot in the next round of the competition.

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