Moyes Backs Pickford to Remain England's Top Choice

Everton manager David Moyes has stated that goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is performing better than ever and will remain England's top choice when crucial matches arise, even with the emergence of James Trafford.

Trafford, who moved to Leeds from Manchester City in the summer and impressed in cup finals, has recently featured ahead of Pickford for England in two of their four international fixtures. However, Moyes believes Pickford's current form and experience make him indispensable.

"When Jordan came back from the World Cup, it might be the best I have ever seen him. He was lean, sharp, his footwork was brilliant, he was fast across the goal," Moyes said. "He has made a couple of brilliant saves (this season)."

Moyes added that Pickford is aware of the competition but is determined to maintain his position. "I see Jordan keeping his pride because he wants clean sheets, he wants to keep the ball out of the net. Somewhere along the line there is a whippersnapper coming who tries to challenge you, but if it really mattered to England, Jordan would still be the one who was there."

The Everton manager also highlighted Pickford's kicking ability, asserting he is superior to Trafford in that regard. "He has that experience and he is not ageing. Jordan is a terrific kicker of the ball, he is a better kicker than Trafford, but passing is a different equation. One of the first passes in England’s game against the Czech Republic, Jordan played a long ball and put Morgan Rogers through. So he has got that."

In other team news, Moyes commented on the developing competition for the winger position at Everton, with young Tyrique George, 20, pushing for more game time. "We like Tyrique a lot. I want to get him some rhythm, he had a bit and then we took it away because we wanted Jack’s experience," Moyes explained. "Tyrique is well in our thoughts. He has to keep learning, getting better, but he has the ability to beat people, to score, we don’t want to knock him down but he is still a young boy. Tyrique is knocking on the door."

Defensive updates included Jarrad Branthwaite managing a problem and being hopeful of fitness, while Vitalii Mykolenko is close to returning from injury. Christian Norgaard is also on the comeback trail but not yet ready to start.