Pickford’s just the ticket for the Port

BY the time you read this, England could be in the World Cup Final.

Or the nation could be in mourning as The Three Lions’ dream ends at the penultimate hurdle.

But if one thing IS guaranteed, it’s Southport FC extending a life long welcome to Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

At the start of the tournament in Russia, many pundits and fans doubted the goalkeeper’s ability to hold his nerve on the big stage.

But Pickford has been one of the Gareth Southgate’s most outstanding players during the tournament - most notably against Colombia and Sweden.

It is however often easy to forget that many of the top players cut their teeth not on the global stage but in the lower leagues, before gradually working their way up the league ladder.

Jordan Pickford is no exception. Before his big money move from Sunderland to Everton last summer, the 24-year-old had loan spells with Darlington, Alfreton Town, Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City and Preston North End.

And Southport made their admiration for Pickford, who played at the Merseyrail Community Stadium early in his carrer, known by tweeting: ‘He already knows where Haig Avenue is, so @JPickford1 we’re pleased to announce you have a season ticket at our club for life!

‘The future @England stars start in non-league, get your #OnePort season ticket now: https:// southportfc. ktckts. com/brand/season #ItsComingHome’ A generous gesture for sure. And if he takes up the offer, let’s hope he brings a World Cup winners’ medal with him too.