Jordan Pickford displayed his fighting spirit when asked about his position as England no.1.

The Everton goalkeeper took aim at Gary Neville and a host of other critics he believe ‘hate’ him.

Former England defender and coach Neville, now of Sky Sports, criticised Pickford in September for laughing when 3-1 down to Manchester City, while plenty have been quick to scrutinise the glovesman over other perceived failings.

SkySports 2 Pickford almost gifted Man City a fourth goal during a Premier League game earlier this season

In his club’s 3-1 win against Crystal Palace, he let Christian Benteke’s equaliser slip under him, which put the focus back on his individual form.

“I think the press and everybody; the punters – look at Gary Neville – they just want to come for England players,” he said.

“Everyone gets stick. Some get a lot more praise than others. That’s part of being an England player.

“Everyone hates you, for some reason. I just get on with it. You have got to live with it, you have got to learn. I know what I am capable of and I know what I am good at.

“It is what it is. Look at Joe Hart when he was number one. He got pelters every week.

2 Pickford compared his criticism to the scrutiny Joe Hart faced when he was England’s no.1 before him

Jordan Pickford speaks about taking his first ever competitive penalty after England beat Switzerland in the Nations League

“You just keep it away from your head as the only person who can sort things out is yourself as an individual, on the pitch and in training.

“It’s looking after things on the pitch for Everton that is my main aim. That gets you picked for England.

“It’s funny because everyone raves about you when you are with England but then you get back to your club and everyone wants to slate you.

“As a person, I don’t let it affect me. But it does p*** you off.”

Pickford was a national hero in 2018 during England’s World Cup run to the semi-finals, especially in the penalty shoot-out win against Colombia, but he has endured a mixed 18 months since.

Last season, he made four errors which led to goals. He has two in the current campaign.

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He accepts he made a mistake for Benteke’s goal but felt there were mitigating circumstances.

The fact Richarlison scored soon after to retake the lead and Pickford himself made an excellent point-blank save to deny the Belgium international also took some of the heat off him.

“I’ve watched the goal. I’m lucky I haven’t done my cruciate, to be honest. My foot planted. It was a foot save and I have led with my hand,” he added.

“I couldn’t get my leg out. It was stuck. It happens. But I am mentally strong. I’m disappointed but it doesn’t affect us.

“People probably doubt us week in, week out but I know what I am capable of and I know what I can do.

“I will keep pushing. I have reached a certain level and I don’t want to stop.”