Jordan Pickford has warned England not to become fixated on Lionel Messi as they prepare to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday. The England goalkeeper stressed that while Messi is a generational talent, Argentina possesses numerous other dangerous players.
Messi, who turned 39 last month, has enjoyed a remarkable tournament, scoring eight goals and providing two assists in just six appearances. His performances have been crucial for Argentina, including a late comeback against Egypt where they won 3-2 after trailing 2-0 with ten minutes remaining, and a narrow victory over Cape Verde in the last 32.
Pickford warns against Messi obsession
Pickford, speaking from England's training base in Kansas City on Monday, acknowledged Messi's brilliance but stressed the need for a balanced approach. “He’s scored so many goals, contributed to so many goals across his career, it is great to finally come up against him after so long and watching him as a kid,” Pickford said. “We all know how good Messi is but we also know how good Argentina is, so we can’t just solely (worry about) Messi. We’ve got to focus on the other strengths as well, and the weaknesses we can take advantage of.”
This will be the first time England face Messi, who has been in scintillating form. However, Pickford has experience of falling at this stage before and is determined to avoid a repeat.
England's discipline key against Argentina's 'dark arts'
Argentina have a reputation for gamesmanship, and Egypt complained about referee favouritism after their last-16 defeat. Pickford insisted England are mentally prepared to handle any provocation. “I think you've seen throughout the tournament our desire to win tackles but we haven't gotten into any scuffles or anything. We've been very respectful within the game. Decisions go our way, they don't go our way, we just reset, we go again and we let the football do the talking,” he said.
He highlighted England's discipline, noting that apart from Jarell Quansah's red card against Mexico, they have avoided suspensions or second yellow cards. “It just shows the mentality that we have and we don't get wrapped up in sort of things like that. We stay focused and we stay together,” Pickford added.
England will need to be at their best to overcome an Argentina side that boasts threats across the pitch, not just from Messi.
