Jordan Pickford, England's first-choice goalkeeper and Everton star, owes his surname to a legal change made by his father, Lee, who was bullied at school for the family's original name, Pigford. The revelation comes as Pickford prepares for his fifth major international tournament with the Three Lions.
Father's Decision to Change Name
Lee Pigford, the goalkeeper's father, was cruelly taunted and called 'Piggy' during his school years. To spare his future children from similar torment, he legally changed the surname to Pickford by deed poll. Pickford's grandfather, Barrie, still carries the Pigford name. Barrie 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."
Pickford's Rise to Stardom
Pickford came through the academy at his hometown club Sunderland, with his parents switching allegiance from Newcastle due to his passion for the Black Cats. After six loan spells, he secured a £25 million move to Everton in 2017. Under Gareth Southgate, he claimed the number one jersey ahead of Joe Hart and has since earned 89 caps for England, playing in two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final.
Recent World Cup Heroics
Most recently, Pickford helped England overcome Mexico 3-2 to secure a quarter-final spot at the World Cup. He expressed confidence in manager Thomas Tuchel's approach: "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."
