Jordan Pickford's father, Lee, legally changed the family name from Pigford to Pickford via deed poll to protect his son from the abuse he suffered as a child. Lee was cruelly bullied at school and called 'Piggy', prompting him to change the name to prevent any future children from experiencing the same harassment.
Family Background and Name Change
Pickford's grandfather, Barrie, still carries the Pigford name. Speaking to the Mail in 2018, Barrie expressed his pride in his grandson: 'I'm over the moon for him, I am. I never thought he would play for England.' He added, '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's Career Journey
Pickford rose through the ranks at his hometown club Sunderland, with his parents switching allegiances from Newcastle due to his love for the Black Cats. After being loaned out six times, he earned a £25 million move to Everton in 2017, where he began his England career. He became England's No. 1 after Gareth Southgate selected him over Joe Hart, and he has since starred in five major international tournaments for the Three Lions.
England Career and World Cup Ambitions
Pickford has experienced both highs and lows during his England career. He has been between the sticks in two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final, but the Three Lions fell short each time. He has earned 89 caps for England and recently helped England beat Mexico 3-2 to reach the quarter-finals at the World Cup.
Pickford believes that manager Thomas Tuchel has instilled a winning mentality into the squad. 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.'
