JORDAN PICKFORD has been told to get leaner and fitter if he wants to become England’s World Cup keeper.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate believes the Everton stopper can sensationally edge out Joe Hart and Jack Butland ahead of Russia 2018.
Pickford, 23, has made only one appearance for England — against Germany — but now has a chance after long-time No 1 Hart was frozen out on loan at West Ham.
Southgate rates Pickford highly but wants the Everton man to enjoy a healthier lifestyle to become better, physically stronger and more agile.
Fellow England hopeful, Manchester United full-back Luke Shaw, has also been criticised for his eating habits and general focus.
Pickford — who joined from Sunderland for £25million in the summer — is still inexperienced.
But he has conceded just two goals in his last six games, with Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea his fourth clean sheet in that period.
It would still be a big gamble to start him in the World Cup opener against Tunisia on June 18 though.
England’s next matches are friendlies in Holland on March 23 and at home to Italy four days later.
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