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Jordan Pickford has explained exactly why he has returned to Everton early after his World Cup exploits.

The 24-year-old played every minute of England's campaign in Russia and was an integral part of why Gareth Southgate's side made the semi finals of the tournament.

The goalkeeper's fantastic displays across the World Cup earned him a lot of praise across the country, and have earned him an extended summer break following the Three Lions elmination.

However, earlier this week it was revealed he would be joining up with Everton training on Friday instead of next week - and Pickford has now explained his thinking behind it.

Pickford said: "I've texted him but obviously with the World Cup I don't think he wanted to bother me too much. But he texted me saying good luck and well done etc.

"I've spoken to the new goalkeeper coach as well so they're happy for me to come back on Friday because there's been a lot of change and I'm guessing there'll be a change in style of football, tactics and set piece stuff maybe.

"So I'll go in and do a bit of work on that with them. It is a quick turnaround but I am still fresh and raring to go.

"I couldn't go straight back into it so I had a little break and I will go back in on Friday and get cracking and see how I feel - maybe see if the gaffer will let me have a bit of game-time on Saturday.

"I just love playing football. I'm a football lad.

(Image: Tim Goode/PA Wire)

"I will go in on Friday and the first thing I will do is ask for some game-time on Saturday, hopefully to get the chance to play against Wolves the following week. I know myself that I will be more than ready so I can't wait.

The goalkeeper also believes Everton's signings so far this window prove the club is heading in the right direction.

The Blues confirmed the £40m capture of Richarlison last week before Lucas Digne was officially unveiled as an Everton player on Wednesday.

"Yes, I think it is a massive club and the club is only going in the right direction," Pickford added.

"We want to do better. We finished eighth last season and so we want to get better than seventh, get into the top six.

"The Premier League is a hard league and it is hard to get a win in any game, but we want to please the fans and make the fans happy and the way to do that is win games."