The Everton goalkeeper has weighed in on new England manager Thomas Tuchel handing the Ajax midfielder - who has 81 caps for his country - his first call-up the national team since November 2023.

Pickford, 31, told press this week: "His desire to want to win and what he has won and achieved is driven by himself.

"He's a winner and a big leader. I think bringing Hendo back in is great for the squad.

"He was vice-captain for numerous years. He didn't come to the last Euros but he was vice-captain in 2018 to Harry [Kane].

"I think someone like Hendo, it's great. Having leaders in your group, the teams that have won have always had that experience in the side as well.

"I think it's a great move for us to have someone like him in the squad. What he has done, how he is still driven - whether he plays or not he is going to be the leader on the training pitch."

The 34-year-old former Liverpool captain - who spent less than six months in the Saudi Pro League before joining Ajax in January 2024 - has been called up alongside 32-year-old Newcastle defender Dan Burn.

Pickford said: "We have got Dan Burn's first call-up which is a great achievement for him.

"We have got Hendo with how many caps he has got. He has got that winning mentality, what he has won at Liverpool as a player and a captain.

"To have those leaders around the place, the more leaders you have in the team I think the more success they will bring.

"They will drive training standards, they will drive standards around the place and make it a better camp for everybody."