Origins: Jordan Pickford
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The Three Lions goalkeeper goes back to where it all began ahead of the summer
In the next instalment of our Origins series, Jordan Pickford revisited his early footballing memories which paved the way to becoming England’s number one.
Ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, we’re celebrating where every football journey truly began, from grassroots to the world stage.
The Tyne and Wear-born stopper began his journey with his first grassroots club, Washington Envelopes.
He went on to join Sunderland’s Academy of Light at the age of eight before breaking into the senior environment, embarking on a series of non-League and EFL loan spells.
But, in Pickford’s own words, there’s no place like home which for the goalkeeper is NE38.
Origins: Jordan Pickford
The England goalkeeper remembers his roots
“I’ll never forget my roots,” he said. “It’s a big privilege for myself and my family. We never forget where we come from to where we are now.
“When I go back home, if I get the opportunity, just going back to that area and just reminiscing of all the good times when you were a kid. There’s nothing better than home and just them memories you make as a young kid.
“I always say no matter what, I’m still that daft lad from Fatfield Washington. I’ve worked hard and come a long way to be wearing the England shirt.
“I’ve never changed from who I am from a young age. I’m the same guy when I was a kid. It’s probably never going to change.”
