The Football Interview is a new series hosted by Kelly Somers, who sits down with the biggest names in sport and entertainment for honest and in-depth conversations about football. The show explores mindset, motivation and defining moments that shape players on and off the pitch. Each episode reveals the person behind the player. Viewers can stream new interviews every Saturday across iPlayer, Sounds and the Sport website, while this week’s episode airs on television at 23:55 GMT, following Sportscene in Scotland.
Everton’s Number One Looks Ahead
Jordan Pickford, Everton and England’s first-choice goalkeeper, has just signed a new contract with the Toffees. The 31-year-old hopes to remain between the posts for many more years. He began his career at Sunderland, his boyhood club, before spending time on loan at several lower-league teams. In 2017, he joined Everton and became one of their standout players.
Pickford has made over 300 appearances and won the club’s Player of the Year award four times, including the last three seasons. Recently, he broke a national record for consecutive clean sheets, extending it to nine matches after a win against Latvia. Ahead of his Premier League return to Sunderland, Pickford spoke to Kelly Somers about his journey, family life and his unlikely passion for motocross.
Growing Up with Football
Kelly Somers asked what football means to him. “It’s everything I know,” Pickford said. “I’ve played since I was five. Becoming a footballer was my dream, and it’s an honour to live it.”
He recalled always being in goal. “My first memory is being a goalkeeper,” he said. “I played on the street with my brother and his mates. I was in goal on concrete.” When his brother’s team needed a keeper, Pickford stepped in—and never looked back.
Asked about his childhood heroes, Pickford named Kevin Phillips and Thomas Sørensen from his Sunderland days. Later, Wayne Rooney and Joe Hart became his inspirations. “Wazza is a legend,” he said with a smile.
The Sunderland Dream
Pickford joined Sunderland’s development squad at seven and signed his first youth contract before turning nine. “Once I started playing every Sunday, it felt incredible,” he said. “At 14 or 15, I realised I might have a real shot.”
He recalled missing school to train with the youth team. “When I got invited to train on Thursday mornings, I knew I was all in,” he said. “That’s when it became serious.”
From Loan Spells to Premier League Glory
Pickford said his many loan moves were crucial. “If young goalkeepers get the chance to play in the lower leagues, they should take it,” he explained. “You learn more there than in youth football. The pressure helps you mature.”
He remembered his loan at Preston fondly. “I was doing well when Sam Allardyce called me back. I got a new contract and made my FA Cup debut against Arsenal. A week later, I played my first Premier League game.” When Sunderland’s Vito Mannone got injured, Pickford seized his chance. “I grabbed the opportunity with both hands,” he said.
Building a Future with Everton
Everton fans often fear losing him, but Pickford said signing a new deal felt right. “When I joined, we were playing in Europe. That’s where Everton belongs,” he said. “After some tough years, things feel positive again. The club is moving forward, and I want to be part of that journey.”
Asked about his goals, he replied, “We want to push into the top half and fight for Europe. The manager demands it, and we players have to deliver.”
Chasing Glory with England
Pickford has been central to England’s success, setting a new record for consecutive clean sheets. “It’s an honour to beat a record held by Gordon Banks,” he said. “But I don’t take all the credit. It’s a team effort. We defend together, and we win together.”
He spoke about focus and concentration. “Sometimes I don’t have much to do in a game, but I must stay sharp,” he explained. “It’s about positioning, communication and staying connected to the team.”
Finding Balance and Motivation
Reflecting on his career, Pickford said self-improvement drives him. “Even after 80 England caps and 330 games for Everton, I always want more,” he said. “When my son Arlo was born, that changed me. It was a new challenge, and I started working with psychologists to stay balanced.”
His teammates describe him as intense. James Tarkowski says Pickford “barks” on the pitch, while others call him “bonkers.” Pickford laughed. “There’s probably a line I sometimes cross,” he admitted. “But I hate losing, even in training. That’s just my passion.”
Family, Fatherhood and Life Off the Pitch
Pickford’s friends describe him as caring. “I always look out for people,” he said. “I want the best for everyone.”
As a football dad, he tries to stay calm. “My son’s only six,” he said. “If he’s distracted, I tell him to ‘switch on.’ When he plays well, I feel proud beyond words.”
His childhood, he said, was “mad but amazing.” “My parents were strict but fair,” he recalled. “We were always outside playing until my mam shouted for us to come in. Times have changed. Kids don’t play on the streets anymore, and that’s a shame.”
He remains close to his mother. “She still texts me before every England call-up,” he said. “I ring her every morning and after training. She’s my biggest supporter.”
The Hidden Passion: Motocross
Pickford revealed a surprising love for motocross. “I’d love to do it, but it’s banned in our contracts,” he said. “I grew up watching races every weekend with my mates. My best friend competes in the British Championships. The adrenaline when the gate drops—it’s unreal.”
He often gets recognised at events but doesn’t mind. “I’m leaning over the fence, shouting them on,” he laughed. “It gives me such a rush.”
The Ultimate Dream
Asked what one more achievement he would choose, Pickford didn’t hesitate. “Win the World Cup,” he said. “That’s what the whole nation wants. We’ve had great chances before. With the experience we’ve gained, we can do it.”
He dreams of lifting a major trophy for England—and silverware for Everton too. “It’s been so long since England won something,” he said. “We have to believe, play our best and seize the moment.”
Pride and Perspective
Pickford takes pride in longevity. “Making my debut was a dream, but staying at the top is harder,” he said. “To keep progressing and dedicating myself every day—that’s what I’m proud of.”
