Thomas Tuchel's men head to the tournament in 29 days as one of the favourites to triumph, with a squad that's arguably as strong as it's ever been for a major competition. 

A crucial part of that team is England's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford. Often overlooked when discussing the Three Lions' key men, it's easy to forget how consistent he's been as the country's number one. 

• Read next I 30 days - Full official squad lists for all 48 teams

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England's Golden Boot winner 

Harry Kane's 2018 World Cup

 

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Speaking exclusively to DAZN News, thanks to Haypp snus online, a man who knows all about keeping goal for England, David James, believes that if Tuchel's men succeed in the States, then Pickford should be seen as England's greatest ever. 

"Jordan [Pickford] is I think, one of my favourite goalkeepers for England ever," said James. 

"Because Gordon Banks won the World Cup, he is the best. But if England were to be successful in a World Cup with Jordan in goal, that would catapult him into the number one position. I think he's been super reliable for England. To the point you wonder why he’s not playing for one of the bigger teams domestically.

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"There have been times when he has been criticised for his mannerisms on a football pitch. And my argument has always been that he's consistent.

"And if you're playing in a team where your goalkeeper is doing what he normally does and he's performing at a high level, then you don't have to change him. 

"I think that in some ways might have scared some coaches off at bigger clubs, but when you see the level of performance that he has for England in major finals, in the crunch games, then that's akin to him playing for the likes of, I would say, Arsenal, Liverpool, the top teams in England, under pressure in big games.

"And if he can do it for England, why couldn't he do it domestically?"



With the goalie already lauded, thoughts turn to the team's chances as a whole this summer. 

Under Gareth Southgate, England reached two Euros finals as well as a World Cup semi-final, but the pressure is now on the squad for their German manager to finally deliver that first elusive trophy since 1966. 

But James is confident. So confident in fact, when asked who he thinks will win this year's tourment, the former Three Lions only had one quick answer. DAZN/FIFA

"England. For me it’s how England handle the knockout stages. I think with Thomas Tuchel we have a manager with a different view on things than Gareth [Southgate’s] whose process I thought was outstanding.

"Yes, it wasn't the most entertaining, but it was effective to the point that we got to finals and we were within minutes of winning or a penalty shoot-out of winning two Euros. So, Gareth got it right in that sense. Getty Image

"We have a different squad in many different ways, different players, and if we've got the fitness, which is the old cliche, if we've got the fitness within that squad, then I think Thomas will work a way to get us to success. And if we're lucky, we can beat some outstanding national teams.

"I mean, people talk about France and Spain, in particular, but I think that an England side fully fit and well organised is capable of winning the game. Even if it's penalties, and there are 26 penalties, I don't care. If England can do that, then we'll be more than happy." 

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