England boss Gareth Southgate has claimed that Everton's Jordan Pickford, Stoke City's Jack Butland and Burnley's Nick Pope have been "the best three English goalkeepers" in the Premier League this season.

Manchester City stopper Joe Hart was controversially left out of Southgate's squad for the 2018 World Cup following a difficult season on loan at West Ham United.

However, the Three Lions manager has played down suggestions that his selection in the goalkeeping positions was with a view to the future.

"They are the best three English goalkeepers in the league. We are not picking young inexperienced players because they are young or to buy time," Southgate told reporters.

"We are picking young players because we believe they are the best in their positions. The goalkeepers have been the best three in the Premier League."

England will start their World Cup Group G campaign against Tunisia on June 18, before games against Panama and Belgium.