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

Jordan Pickford is keeping his attention on England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, after the quarter-final win over Norway made him the Three Lions’ record appearance maker at the finals.

According to Sunderland Echo, his outing was his 18th at a World Cup, taking him past Peter Shilton. Washington-born Pickford has been England’s number one for much of the last decade and is closing in on 100 caps after debuting in a draw with Germany in November 2017.

He has impressed during a campaign that saw England come through a group with Panama, Croatia and Ghana, then oust DR Congo and co-hosts Mexico to reach the last eight. Some criticism followed Andreas Schjelderup’s opener for Norway, but Pickford responded with a commanding display as Jude Bellingham struck twice to send England through.

Pickford said it is about the team and that being in another semi-final is an honour. He added the appearance record is special for him and his family, but he will reflect on it in years to come, not now.

After Thomas Tuchel called parts of the display sloppy and praised the team’s mentality, Pickford said there is always room to improve. He added England will analyse the game, then move on, and noted the Miami humidity was the toughest they have faced at this tournament, which he felt played a part.

Source: Sunderland Echo