England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has faced criticism this World Cup but now has the chance to silence doubters in the semi-final against world champions Argentina and their star shot-stopper Emiliano Martinez.
Pickford's tournament struggles
Pickford, 32, became England's record appearance holder at World Cups with 18 caps, but he has been at fault for two knockout-stage goals. DR Congo's Brian Cipenga beat him at his near post, and he failed to collect Andreas Schjelderup's looping cross against Norway.
Martinez's remarkable rise
Emiliano Martinez, 33, has risen from loan spells at EFL clubs to a three-time Golden Glove winner. Since joining Aston Villa in 2020, he has become a key figure for Argentina, helping them win two Copa Americas and the 2022 World Cup, with 10 saves out of 24 in shootouts.
Despite both being Premier League mainstays, Martinez is widely perceived to be in a different league to Pickford. Wednesday's match in Atlanta offers Pickford a chance to prove otherwise.
Penalty heroics
Pickford's big-game pedigree includes a superb save in the 2018 shootout against Colombia, England's first penalty win in a major tournament. He also denied Andrea Belotti and Jorginho in the Euro 2020 final shootout, though England lost. In this tournament, he made crucial saves against Mexico in the round of 16.
Martinez, however, carried Argentina to World Cup glory, denying Randal Kolo Muani in extra-time of the final and saving two penalties in the shootout. He also starred in the quarter-final shootout against the Netherlands.
Statistical comparison
Both goalkeepers have underperformed this summer. Pickford has conceded six goals from an expected goals against (xGA) of 3.5, while Martinez has also conceded six from an xGA of 4.5. Pickford has faced 18 shots on target to Martinez's 14, but Pickford has made an error leading to a goal, according to Opta.
In the Premier League last season, Pickford kept 11 clean sheets with a 66.67% save percentage, while Martinez missed six matches due to suspension and injury, making 95 saves to Pickford's 100. Martinez had five errors leading to shots, compared to Pickford's three.
The final say
While Martinez has repeatedly delivered in big moments, Pickford is still seeking a defining performance for England. If the Three Lions are to win their first World Cup since 1966, Pickford may need to produce an inspired moment to deny Lionel Messi and co.
