Jordan Pickford: My goalkeeping inspirations

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford earned his 70th senior international cap against Finland earlier this month, with just six more required to become the second-most capped stopper in Three Lions history.

He reveals more about the journey that has taken him to such a prestigious position, including his most influential coaches and goalkeeping heroes.

How did you become a goalkeeper?

"I went in goal totally by chance. My brother is older than me and we went out in the streets to play. One of the teams needed a goalkeeper so it was me who went in and I basically went from there."

Who was your first goalkeeping coach?

"My first coach was someone I still speak to now, Mark Prudhoe. He was my coach at eight years old all the way up to me making my debut at Sunderland and we still keep in touch."

Who was your first goalkeeping hero?

"To be honest, back in those days a lot of my football enjoyment came from going out in the streets and playing constantly. That was how I grew to love it.

"Being a Sunderland fan, Thomas Sorensen was one I liked. I remember meeting him at the Charlie Hurley Centre, where we trained.

"Obviously watching Champions League nights, Peter Schmeichel was another one who I liked. He was an iconic goalkeeper when I was young."

Who gave you your first-team debut?

"I made my first senior start for Darlington on loan from Sunderland, when Craig Liddle was manager.

"Steve Bruce took me on a Sunderland pre-season but it was Sam Allardyce who gave me my first ever start for the club in January 2016. I had been on loan at Preston and he came to watch a game, which I played well in. He told me I was being brought back and I made my debut at Arsenal in the FA Cup third round at the Emirates.

"We played Swansea on the Wednesday with Vito Mannone in goal and then on the Saturday I woke up to a missed call from the goalkeeper coach. I rang him back and he told me I was starting against Tottenham. It was a 12.30pm kic-off at White Hart Lane, so it all happened quickly and it was a big surprise for me.

"I didn't have much time to think about it but I was ready. I'd had a lot of loan moves and it was my dream to play for Sunderland. It was one of the best times of my life.

"Gareth Southgate obviously gave me my senior England debut against Germany in 2017, which is something I'm very grateful for."

Who has been in the most influential coach of your career?

"I would say Pruds (Mark Prudhoe). The number of goalkeepers he's worked with at a young age and got them through to professional football, he's an extremely important figure."

Which goalkeepers in world football do you still enjoy watching?

"That's tough. I like to watch other goalkeepers and I think also you're always willing all goalkeepers to do well. I enjoy watching top performances.

"A great example was Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid last season when Manuel Neuer was having an absolute worldie and then made one mistake. I was gutted for him because he was having such a good game and then next thing they're out and everyone's talking about one moment.

"I can always learn bits and pieces from other players but I think there's an understanding between all keepers about what a tough job it is."

Which young goalkeepers are you most excited to watch come through after you?

"We've got a good crop of goalkeepers in England right now. There are a few of us playing in the Premier League and others in the Under-21 who play Championship or League One football.

"I've spent time training with James Trafford and James Beadle with England and they're exciting young keepers. There are a few of them around.

"A big thing I say to young guys now is to get out there on loan and get games under your belt if it's not going to happen for now at your permanent club.

"We can work on things in training but you can really learn by getting out and playing."