Former Hammers keeper Phil Parkes is delighted that Jordan Pickford has broken through as the England No 1 and gives him an eight out of ten for his World Cup performances.

However, he makes it clear that whilst he is a fine stop shot stopper he needs to improve on crosses and come through a crowded penalty area with more authority than he has shown in the competition and at PL level.

As England prepare to go into their most important international game for years against Croatia tonight Parksey ran the rule over the Everton keeper for ClaretandHugh.

And he said: “Tonight could be huge for him. He has the ability to become a very good England keeper but I really do want to see him become more commanding at crosses..

“I’ve seen strikers popping them in past him from close range so it’s important he gets to grips with that area of his game because I can’t feel confident when he tries to come through a well-populated penalty area.

“His shot stopping is top class as we’ve seen and he certainly has the edge on Jack Butland at the moment and deserves the goalkeeping spot. I’d give him an eight from 10 as things stand.”

Parkesy believes England can win tonight after watching Croatia struggle in their last game but said: “Should we get to the Final it will be a very different story against France who have frightening pace.

“It’s all there for the taking now though and it’s all about what happens on the night!”

Croatia v England WORLD CUP SECOND SEMI-FINAL

Kick Off 7pm