Jordan Pickford reveals England squad's feelings on Man Utd links with Gareth Southgate

  • Gareth Southgate has been named as potential next Manchester United manager
  • Jordan Pickford believes this speculation 'makes no difference' to England squad
  • England are preparing to face Brazil and Belgium in international friendlies
Southgate has been tipped to join Man Utd
Southgate has been tipped to join Man Utd / James Baylis - AMA/GettyImages
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England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford says speculation over Gareth Southgate's future does not affect the national squad.

Speculation over the future of England boss Southgate is rife with the 53-year-old is tipped to be the next Manchester United manager, with pressure growing on current manager Erik ten Hag.

The Three Lions have proved to be a strong force under Southgate, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals in 2022 and finishing as Euro 2020 runners-up. They are one of the strong favourites to take the crown at the upcoming Euro 2024 in Germany - an achievement which would see them win their first ever European Championship.

First-choice goalkeeper Pickford is adamant these rumours are not of detriment to the team, who are clear in their goals and ambitions.


Gareth Southgate, Jordan Pickford
Pickford says the squad are unbothered / Richard Heathcote/GettyImages

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on whether Southgate's future speculation makes a difference to the team, Pickford said: "I think there's no difference. I think there's one goal and that's to win a European trophy.

"Us as players, and I think the manager and the staff, that's all our goal is, to be focused on winning the European Championship. I think all the noise around anything else will probably come after that.

"His character has not changed. He's a top man manager and he's got a great set of staff around him. The training is always good with the manager and everything we do is good."

Pickford is part of Southgate's current England squad currently preparing for international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

These friendlies are two of the last four matches England will play prior to Euro 2024, with post-club season friendlies scheduled against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland at the start of June.


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