Jordan Pickford's dad, Lee, was born with the surname 'Pigford' (Image: Getty)
Jordan Pickford’s England shirt could have adorned a different surname if his dad hadn’t changed it by deed poll as a schoolboy. Pickford senior, Lee, was given an unfortunate nickname by classmates during his time growing up in the north east.
Everton stopper Pickford is England’s undisputed No.1 at Euro 2024 and a veteran of more than 60 international caps. Having made his senior breakthrough with Sunderland in 2016, and moved to Everton a year later, Pickford is one of the most recognisable faces in the Premier League.
However, if his dad’s upbringing has gone differently, he may have been called Jordan Pigford. The England man’s father felt compelled to change his name as a youngster to stop classmates calling him ‘piggy’.
And the subtle tweak, which sees the ‘g’ replaced by a ‘ck’, may also have saved Pickford Jr from the relentless name calling. Support for the stopper runs strong in the family and, back in 2018, his grandad shed light on what it's been like to see him make a success of his career.
"I'm over the moon for him, I am. I never thought he would play for England," he told The Daily Mail. "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."
Jordan Pickford has played his club football with Everton since 2017 (Image: Getty)
Pickford was snapped up by Sunderland as a young schoolboy and he would go on to spend 15 years on their books. He only made 35 senior appearances for the Black Cats, with the vast majority coming in his final season before heading to Goodison Park.
Non-league loan spells with Darlington and Alfreton Town helped mould Pickford into the established Premier League star he is today.
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He also enjoyed temporary stints with Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City and Preston North End while working his way up the divisions.
Dean Henderson and Aaron Ramsdale have been selected by Gareth Southgate to complete England's goalkeeper group at Euro 2024, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see neither stopper get a minute of action if Pickford remains fit.
