Jordan Pickford has been England's No. 1 goalkeeper since 2018, but the name on the back of his shirt could have looked very different
Jordan Pickford.
Jordan Pickford is starring at the World Cup(Image: Francois Nel/Getty Images)
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Jordan Pickford has been England's first-choice goalkeeper since 2018 and performed heroically for his country on many occasions. However, the name displayed on the back of his shirt at the current World Cup could have appeared vastly different had his dad not taken action on his behalf.
Pickford progressed through the youth system at his hometown club Sunderland, with father Lee and mother Sue abandoning their Newcastle allegiance due to his passion for the Black Cats. Following six loan spells away from the north east, the shot-stopper secured a £25million transfer to Everton in 2017 where he launched his England career.
He became No. 1 after Gareth Southgate picked him ahead of Joe Hart, and Pickford hasn't looked back since, excelling in five major international tournaments for the Three Lions. But the lettering on the back of his England kit could have read 'Pigford' had it not been for dad Lee's decisive action.
Jordan's dad was raised as Lee Pigford but chose to legally alter his name through deed poll after enduring bullying at school. The shot-stopper's father was mercilessly taunted and nicknamed 'Piggy', which led him to ensure that any future offspring would be spared the same torment.
Pickford's grandfather, Barrie, still bears the Pigford surname but remains immensely proud of his exceptionally gifted grandson. He told the Mail in 2018: "I'm over the moon for him, I am. I never thought he would play for England.
"It is the best thing he did leaving Sunderland - going to Everton was a good thing for him. He's doing good, I'm pleased for him. He's six foot four, so he's a big lad, but he's quiet.
"He doesn't brag or nothing. When he comes home he is the same as normal. He's a quiet kid really. I think the world of him."
Pickford has experienced the full spectrum of emotions during his England career, twice appearing in European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final, only for the Three Lions to fall agonisingly short each time.
Jordan Pickford.
Jordan Pickford's England shirt could have read 'Pigford' instead(Image: Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
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The shot-stopper has earned 89 caps for his country and has been a standout performer on numerous occasions - most recently playing his part in England's 3-2 victory over Mexico to secure a World Cup quarter-final berth.
Now, Pickford believes Thomas Tuchel has embedded a winning mentality into the current squad and is confident they can go all the way for the first time in 60 years. He said: "Belief, togetherness... I think we have had that previously, but I think the manager's got that belief in us. The meetings the manager has with us, it is like you are ready to go to war. He puts that belief in you.
"There are different meetings he has tactically, and it is like 'Yeah, it is go time. ' We all want the same goal, we all want that end goal, and this squad he has picked, we are all in good spirits, and all in good moments in our career."
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