Biography
Early Life
Born in Washington, County Durham in 1994, Pickford came through Sunderland's academy. He was loaned to a string of lower league clubs — Bradford, Burton, Carlisle, Preston, Fulham — each loan toughening him into the goalkeeper he would become.
Breakthrough
Everton paid £30M in 2017 and he quickly made the England number one jersey his own. His 2018 World Cup semi-final penalty save against Colombia, stretching to his left to save Carlos Bacca's effort, became one of the tournament's defining images.
Career
England's most capped current goalkeeper. Reached the Euro 2020 final and 2022 World Cup quarter-final with England. At club level, Everton's constant battles against relegation have meant he has had to make more important saves than almost any other top-level goalkeeper in England.
Personal Life
Married to childhood sweetheart Megan Davison. Known for his energy, his distinctive goal kicks and his quick-release throws. Often seen as Everton's best player during their most difficult seasons.
Legacy
England's undisputed number one for a decade. In an era when England reached two tournament finals and a semi-final, Pickford's consistency was crucial to their defensive performances.
Stats & Finances
Career Timeline
Came through Sunderland's academy and had a series of loan spells in the lower leagues
Joined Everton for £30M and quickly became England's number one goalkeeper
Saved Bacca's penalty in the World Cup shootout against Colombia — an iconic England moment
Reached the Euro 2020 final with England, keeping multiple clean sheets
Fun Facts
Pickford's penalty save from Carlos Bacca against Colombia in the 2018 World Cup is one of the most celebrated England moments in decades
He has the highest penalty-saving percentage of any England goalkeeper in major tournament history
Despite playing for a relegation-threatened Everton, he has maintained England's number one status throughout his career
His quick-release throws and distribution have been central to England's counter-attacking strategy under Gareth Southgate and his successors
Data last verified: April 2026
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