England and Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford could have had a different name on the back of his shirt
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 11: Jordan Pickford #1 of England celebrates the team's second goal by Jude Bellingham #10 during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images for Rexona)
Jordan Pickford's shirt name could've looked very different(Image: Dustin Satloff, Getty Images for Rexona)
View 3 Images
Jordan Pickford has been England's first-choice goalkeeper since 2018. However, the name displayed on the back of his shirt at this summer's World Cup might have looked considerably different had his father not taken action on his behalf.
Pickford progressed through the youth system at his local club Sunderland, with father Lee and mother Sue changing their loyalties from Newcastle owing to his passion for the Black Cats.
Following six loan spells away from the north east, the goalkeeper secured a £25million transfer to Everton in 2017, where he launched his England career. He claimed the No.1 spot after Gareth Southgate chose him ahead of Joe Hart, and Pickford hasn't faltered since, featuring in five major international competitions for the Three Lions.
Yet, the lettering on the back of his England jersey might have displayed 'Pigford' were it not for his father Lee's intervention. Jordan's father was raised as Lee Pigford but opted to formally alter his surname through deed poll after suffering harassment at school.
The goalkeeper's father endured cruel taunting and was branded 'Piggy', which motivated him to shield any future offspring from similar difficulties. Pickford's grandfather, Barrie, continues to bear the Pigford surname but remains immensely proud of his exceptionally gifted descendant.
Jordan Pickford.
Lee was clear on his reasoning for changing the family name(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
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 highs and lows of football throughout his England career, having featured twice in a European Championship final as well as a World Cup semi-final, only for the Three Lions to fall agonisingly short on each occasion.
The shot-stopper has accumulated 89 caps for England and has proved himself a hero on numerous occasions, most recently playing a key role as England defeated Mexico 3-2 to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the World Cup match between Mexico and England on July 6, 2026
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the World Cup match between Mexico and England on July 6, 2026(Image: Martin Fonseca/Zuma Press Wire/SmartFrame)
View 3 Images
Now, Pickford believes Thomas Tuchel has embedded a winning mentality within 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."
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image