YANKEE DOODLE DANDY

Stateside prize in Pickford grasp after upping his game for Tuchel

- FROM JOHN CROSS

JORDAN PICKFORD says Thomas Tuchel has helped raise his standards - and he can do the same for England.

Pickford, 32, will go into his third World Cup as England's No.1, though when Tuchel took over there were inevitably questions about whether the new boss would look to make changes.

However, Pickford has just enjoyed arguably the best season of his career, making incredible saves for Everton, and he admits he is dreaming about reaching the 100-cap mark for England. He is on 82.

He also believes the Three Lions are finally ready to get themselves over the line after so many near misses and heartbreaks, which he says only serves to motivate them further.

“You've got to set your standards, set your stall out again, just like where there is any new manager,” said Pickford.