Pickford talks World Cup, and scaling back his social media presence

Jordan Pickford has come a long way already in his short career so far, having had to take the gruelling, winding road through non-league football before hitting the limelight of the Premier League. But despite being England’s starting goalkeeper at this summer’s World Cup, Pickford remains a young boy at heart.

“The World Cup changed my life. Without doubt, there is now a lot more expectancy on me to perform week-in, week-out. But that just makes me want to grow and become ­better and better.

“Of course, people will try to put more pressure on me. I’ve got to deal with that – and I will deal with it and become a better person and a better goalkeeper.

“But I’m still just an ­ordinary lad from ­Washington. I don’t think I’ll be ­putting tweets about Nandos or ­losing 20 quid in the supermarket, but I’m still the same person.”

And while he’s scaled down his social media presence from complaining about his parents’ cable subscription, talking about his favourite chicken joint, and getting the rave on, he acknowledges that he’s matured over the last few years at Sunderland and Everton.

“It was just a part of growing up, I suppose.

“My mam and dad have brought me up well, and the roots where I’m from keep you grounded and level-headed.

“I still laugh at some of the things I put on Twitter. I was new to it then, so I didn’t really know what I was doing. I didn’t know it would all be retweeted a few years later.

“It’s all part of growing up, isn’t it? Having a bit of a craic. At least it was all stuff that people can laugh about. I’ve now got Sky in my bedroom! In fact, I’ve got it in a few rooms!”