Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has named a former Celtic player as someone he looked up to during his youth.
Pickford played a vital part in the Toffees’ 13 Premier League clean sheets, a tally only beaten by runners-up Arsenal.
The 30-year-old is now getting set to represent England during the 2024 European Championships, with Gareth Southgate’s men one of the favourites heading to Germany.
Despite his international commitments, the former Sunderland man sat down with Everton’s YouTube channel to answer some questions from fans around the world.
Jordan Pickford reveals why Joe Hart is his idol
After being asked who his idol was growing up, the Everton goalkeeper shared his view on former Celtic and Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.
“When I started getting a bit older and wanted to become a more serious goalkeeper, I looked up to Joe Hart,” Pickford explained.
He added: “His pathway and everything he did as a young lad to become England’s number one was brilliant, and that’s everything I wanted to be. I had the opportunity to be England’s number one, and that’s what I’ll keep doing.”
Jordan Pickford has to go down as one of England’s greatest-ever
As the European Championships near, the Three Lions have the chance to finally end 57 years of hurt.
But if, even if England fail to get the job done in Germany, Pickford will go down as one of the all-time greats.
Over the past 57 years, no team has come closer to winning a major trophy, and the Everton man has played a massive part. In the most pressurised moments, he has stood up and never let England down.
And, as the summer tournament approaches, Southgate will no doubt need the 30-year-old to play a vital role if the Three Lions are to stand any chance of winning their first European Championship title.