Jordan Pickford Discusses His Journey as Everton’s Goalkeeper, Aspirations for the World Cup, and Passion for Motocross

The Football Interview Series

The Football Interview is a captivating new series that features prominent figures in sports and entertainment, engaging host Kelly Somers in deep discussions about football, the sport cherished by the nation. With an exploration of mental fortitude, personal milestones, and professional reflections, this show presents the individual behind the athlete. Expect to see these conversations air on Saturdays via various platforms, including BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, and the BBC Sport website. This week’s episode will also be available on BBC One at 11:55 PM GMT.

Jordan Pickford serves as the first-choice goalkeeper for both Everton and the England national team. Recently extending his contract with Everton, the 31-year-old is eager to maintain his spot for years to come. He began his career with Sunderland, where he grew up, and was loaned to several lower-league teams before transferring to Everton in 2017.

Since joining Everton, Pickford has become a key player, making over 300 appearances and winning the club’s Player of the Year award four times, including the last three consecutive seasons. He has also set a new national record for consecutive clean sheets, reaching nine after England’s victory over Latvia earlier this month.

Ahead of his return to Sunderland for a Premier League match, Pickford spoke with Kelly Somers about his upbringing, parenting in football, and his love for motocross.

Early Beginnings in Football

Kelly Somers: What does football mean to you?
Jordan Pickford: It’s everything to me. I’ve played since I was five years old. Growing up as a fan and then having the chance to be a professional footballer is a dream come true, and I take immense pride in it.

Kelly: Did you always envision yourself as a goalkeeper?
Jordan: I’ve always played in goal. My first memory involves me being in goal during street games with my brother and his friends. When my brother needed a goalkeeper for his district team, that led to my involvement.

Kelly: Was it an unusual environment to play street football as a keeper?
Jordan: Definitely a bit crazy, wasn’t it?

Kelly: Who inspired you in your youth?
Jordan: Growing up, I admired Kevin Phillips and Thomas Sorensen at Sunderland. As I got older, Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart became my heroes.

Kelly: It seems you had a mix of attacking and defensive role models?
Jordan: Absolutely! Wazza is a legend! I was a bit too young for Gazza, though.

Kelly: What was it like joining Sunderland as a lifelong supporter?
Jordan: I joined Sunderland as a youth at seven or eight and got my first contract at under-nine. It was amazing going to matches and playing every weekend, but it was around 14 or 15 that I realised I truly had a chance to make it.

Transition to Everton

Kelly: Did you ever think, “I can make it here”?
Jordan: Absolutely, especially when I began training with the youth team around 14 or 15. It was then that I understood I was seriously pursuing this path.

Kelly: Your journey included numerous loans before establishing yourself at Everton. How was that transition?
Jordan: Those loan spells helped me tremendously; they provided real-game experience in pressure situations. One memorable moment was my time at Preston, where I excelled, was called back by Big Sam, received a new contract, and debuted against Arsenal in the FA Cup before making my Premier League debut shortly after. Those experiences prepared me for big opportunities later on.

Kelly: There’s significant buzz around the club and around you personally. Why was now the right time to renew your contract?
Jordan: When I first signed, we were in Europe. Everton needs to be competing at the top, and after navigating some turbulent years, we seem to be on the rise again. With new signings and positive vibes, I foresee us pushing higher on the table.

Kelly: What do you aim to achieve with Everton this season?
Jordan: I prefer to take each game as it comes. However, we have aspirations to finish in the upper half of the table and perhaps qualify for Europe, which would mark a successful season for us.

England and the World Cup

Kelly: England’s journey is progressing well too, with qualifications for the World Cup and your clean sheet record surpassing Gordon Banks. What does that achievement mean to you?
Jordan: I feel honored to break a record held by such a legend, but it is a team effort. Football is about collaboration, and while I appreciate my clean sheets, I know that it involves the entire team working together to achieve success.

Kelly: How do you focus during quieter moments in a match?
Jordan: Staying mentally sharp is crucial. I always make sure to position myself correctly, remaining attentive even when the ball is not in our half. Communication is key to remaining connected with the game.

Kelly: Looking back at your career so far, have there been pivotal moments that shaped your journey?
Jordan: I’ve always aimed to improve. The birth of my son was a significant shift in my life and a time when I had a performance dip, which prompted me to reach out for psychological support.

Kelly: It seems your teammates have colorful descriptions of your character. What is perhaps the most surprising trait you think they’d share?
Jordan: I can be a bit intense on the pitch, pushing everyone during training. But that passion drives me to win.

Family and Personal Life

Kelly: How do you fit being a football dad into your schedule?
Jordan: I prefer to support my son from behind the goal, guiding him to focus rather than shouting instructions. I believe he enjoys the game more when he’s engaged.

Kelly: What was your childhood like at home?
Jordan: Quite chaotic! My parents raised us well, with a mix of strict rules while allowing independence. I had plenty of outdoor play, which kids today mostly miss.

Kelly: Is there one surprising aspect about you?
Jordan: As a footballer, there are restrictions, but I’ve always wanted to participate in motocross. I grew up watching it, and if I could, I’d be there every week, cheering on my friends.

Kelly: If you could achieve one more thing in your career, what would that be?
Jordan: Winning the World Cup would be incredible.

Kelly: What about your aspirations for next summer?
Jordan: That’s right! It is a dream for the entire nation, and we have to seize that opportunity.

Jordan Pickford has had a remarkable career trajectory thus far, embodying relentless ambition and passion for the sport while also looking forward to the future—both as a player and as a role model in football.