England history-maker Jordan Pickford solely focused on World Cup semi-final showdown with Argentina | OneFootball

Jordan Pickford says England’s focus is firmly on Wednesday night’s World Cup semi-final with Lionel Messi’s Argentina in Atlanta after the quarter-final win over Norway and his own history-making night.

Sunderland Echo notes he moved clear of Peter Shilton with his 18th World Cup finals appearance in Miami, the most by any Three Lions player, as England beat Erling Haaland’s Norway.

The Washington-born Everton goalkeeper has cemented the number one shirt over the last decade and is closing in on 100 caps after a 2017 debut against Germany. At these finals, England navigated a group with Panama, Croatia and Ghana, then edged past DR Congo and co-hosts Mexico before ousting Norway.

There was criticism after Andreas Schjelderup’s opener on Saturday, yet Pickford responded with a commanding display as Jude Bellingham’s brace sent England through. He said the team comes first, another semi-final is an honour, and personal records can wait until after the tournament. For now, it is about getting the job done and the next game.

Thomas Tuchel described parts of the performance as sloppy and felt England relied on their mentality. Pickford accepted there is room to improve, saying they will analyse Norway then move on in line with the manager’s standards. He added Miami’s conditions were the most humid they have faced at these finals, with altitude in Mexico less telling than the heat and humidity.

Source: Sunderland Echo