Jordan Pickford’s dad legally changed name to protect England star | Football | Sport

Jordan Pickford has been England’s mainstay goalkeeper since 2018 – but the name on the back of his shirt at the current World Cup could look very different if his dad hadn’t acted on his behalf. Pickford came through the ranks at his hometown club Sunderland with father Lee and mother Sue switching allegiances from Newcastle due to his love for the Black Cats.

After being loaned out six times from the north east, the shotstopper earned a £25million move to Everton in 2017 where he began his England career. He became No. 1 after Gareth Southgate selected him over Joe Hart, and Pickford hasn’t looked back since, starring in five major international tournaments for the Three Lions. However, the print on the back of his England strip could have read ‘Pigford’ if it hadn’t been for dad Lee’s intervention.

Jordan’s dad grew up as Lee Pigford but decided to legally change his name via deed poll after experiencing harassment at school. The shotstopper’s father was cruelly bullied and called ‘Piggy’, which prompted him to protect any future children from the same issues.

Pickford’s grandfather, Barrie, still carries the Pigford name but is still extremely proud of his wonderfully talented offspring. 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 the low of football during his England career. He was twice been between the sticks in a European Championship final, plus a World Cup semi-final, only for the Three Lions to fall short. The goalkeeper has earned 89 caps for England and has been a hero on plenty of occasions – most recently helping England beat Mexico 3-2 to reach the quarter-finals at the World Cup.

Now, Pickford believes that Thomas Tuchel has instilled a winning mentality into the current squad and has faith that 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.”