Peter Shilton has revealed that he has been left impressed by Jordan Pickford's opening two appearances for England.
The Everton goalkeeper has kept clean sheets against both Germany and the Netherlands, and the 24-year-old appears to be favourite to be given the number-one shirt by Gareth Southgate for this summer's World Cup.
England legend Shilton has admitted that Pickford is still not the finished article, but that the newcomer could not have enjoyed a better start to his international career.
Shilton is quoted by the Daily Mail as saying: "Overall I was impressed by Pickford's confidence — so important in a goalkeeper — and especially with his command around his area. He seems comfortable with the ball at his feet, which has become so important in the modern game, and his distribution was excellent.
"Overall, however, I was impressed by Pickford's performance. He may lack experience and at 24 he is still a young man, he will continue to improve. He has had only two England appearances and he has two clean sheets, you can't better that."
Pickford will only be on the bench when England host Italy at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night.
