England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford explained that the defeat of his country in the semi-final of the 2018 World Cup and the final match of the European Cup of Nations (Euro 2020) was an additional incentive for the team ahead of the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

England are preparing to face host country Hungary next Saturday in the opening games of the third group of the first division of the European Nations League group stage.

Speaking to him, Pickford said: “Obviously it will be a challenge against the best teams in the world, but it’s about our belief in ourselves.”

He added: “We have come this far and the disappointment in the World Cup semi-final and the European final is driving us. Frustration comes close to achieving something and then loses, goes to the finals and also loses.”

He concluded by saying, “We are proud of what we have achieved, but when you get closer to it, it gives you more confidence to go ahead and win the World Cup.”

Eddie Khoury