Jordan Pickford: The Warm-Up

One thing international soccer stars regularly need to prepare for is the amount of time spent traveling and away from the comforts of home. Wherever in the world England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is, though, music can immediately transport him to happy places and treasured times. Here, he talks us through a few of the songs on a playlist full of memories. Ultrabeat, “Pretty Green Eyes” “I’m good friends with Ian Redman, who is in Ultrabeat, and I’ve always loved this song. He actually came and DJed at my wedding.” Armand Van Helden, “My My My” “This song reminds me of my brother. It’s his favorite of all time. Every time I hear it anywhere, I always give him a ring.” Elton John, “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” “I had to put this in; it’s a great song but also from one of my favorite shows, Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere. The scene gets me every time when Paddy comes in with the harmonica.” James, “Sit Down” “This takes me back to my cousin’s house when we were little. Playing pool, we used to sing this song when someone got knocked out playing killer.” Neil Diamond, “Sweet Caroline” “It just brings back memories of the Euros [in 2021] and the whole crowd singing the song with us when we got to the final. Wow.” Gigi D’Agostino, “L’Amour Toujours” “My favorite stadium track. Gets me in the zone and brings back memories of growing up.” Ed Sheeran, “Perfect” “My wedding song with Megan, this was our first dance. If I don’t put this in, I’ll be in the bad books.” Don Mclean, “American Pie” “This was my grandad’s favorite song. It’s a bit long, but it’s in for him.”