PRAISE THE JORD

Eight years on and Pickford has become a huge presence in Three Lions No.1 role

- FROM JOHN CROSS

JORDAN PICKFORD gets a text from his mum after every England call-up.

As he prepares to win his 80th cap against Latvia tonight, it shows just what representing England means to him eight years after making his senior debut.

Pickford deserves to go down as one of England's best No.1s and he has matured from the hot-head keeper into a calm and consistent presence on the pitch.

He has yet to concede a goal in England's qualifying campaign and they can clinch their World Cup place with victory against Latvia tonight.

The Everton keeper said: "Every time you get that England call-up you should be proud. Me mam always texts me after the announcement comes out 'well done', 'congrats', every time.

"I just love being here at England and every time I'm on the training pitch, I want to improve. Every time I get the nod to put the England shirt on it's always a proud moment for me and I'll do my best for England like I feel I've done for over the eight years."