Frank Lampard has held talks with Gareth Southgate over Jordan Pickford's fitness and assured him England's number one will be fit for the World Cup.
Pickford damaged his thigh during his outstanding performance in the Merseyside derby two weeks ago and will not play any part in England's Nations League fixtures against Italy and Germany, despite being eager to join up if at all possible.
Everton's medical staff have been discussing Pickford's rehabilitation programme with the Football Association and, as things stand, he is in line to go back between the posts against either Southampton, on October 1, or Manchester United the following week.