Jordan Pickford has stressed that he remains focused on his form with Everton despite the World Cup looming at the end of the season.
The Toffees goalkeeper, who kept a clean sheet in Saturday's goalless draw with Chelsea, is vying with Jack Butland and Joe Hart for a first-team spot in England's squad.
Pickford has however stated that the tournament in Russia is "a long way" away and he must continue to prove himself for his club.
"[The World Cup in Russia] is still a long way to go," Pickford told Sky Sports News. "I have to keep putting performances in for Everton. I cannot control anything else.
"The main thing is making sure I am on the plane because that will be a great experience for myself. There is loads of competition that is why you cannot think about that too much.
"You can do all the stuff on and off the pitch to get there, but the main thing is performing on a Saturday and getting clean sheets is only going to help. But I still feel it is a long way away and I just need to focus on grafting away and becoming better and more mature as a goalkeeper."
Up next for Everton is the Boxing Day fixture against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
Giuseppe Labellarte
