Thursday 22 March 2018 17:41, UK
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman says he always expected Jordan Pickford to one day become England’s first choice goalkeeper.
Pickford joined Everton from Sunderland for a club-record £30m in June 2017 and Koeman could see him in an England shirt if Gareth Southgate selects him for their friendly against the Netherlands in the Amsterdam Arena on Friday.
"That was the reason why we signed Jordan from Sunderland to Everton," Koeman said of his England expectations for Pickford.
"We expected that we signed the new No 1 of the national team of England.
"He is still a young goalkeeper and he needs to improve but already he is at the level where he can compete at the level of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League."
Koeman's time at Everton lasted less than 18 months after he was sacked from his role at Goodison Park in October with the club 18th in the Premier League.
He had more success in his previous spell at Southampton, guiding Saints to their best-ever Premier League finish of sixth and with it a place in lasts season's Europa League, but he is happy to be Netherlands manager.
"No," he said when asked if he missed the Premier League. "I am really happy to be the national coach of Holland but I admire the Premier League and I had a great time.
"Everyone knows how that time finished at Everton but looking back it was great time, three- and- a-half seasons to be part of the Premier League.
"I like to have players who are proud when they are selected for the national team. As a manager, it is a really an honour to be the head coach of Holland."
Ajax winger Justin Kluivert - son of former AC Milan and Barcelona forward Patrick Kluivert - earned a first call up to the national side for the back-to-back friendlies against England and Portugal following a string of impressive performances in Eredivisie.
Koeman thinks it would be better for his development to stay in Dutch football a little longer but admitted it is not his decision on whether or not he secures a move to the Premier League.
"Let's hope these young players stay in Holland a little longer to play every week and develop," added Koeman.
"That's the best [way] but it is not my final decision. I spoke to him and he is in talks with Ajax about his contract.
"I think the best [thing] is for him to stay in Holland because he is only 18 and in my opinion, that is too quick to move to the Premier League.
"It looks like he is not under pressure, he is playing like he did when he was 14 or 15, although he was a little nervous when he was selected for the national team.
"It's a big talent we have in Holland and let's he has a big future."
