CORNERFLICK
Jordan Pickford has told England not to fixate on Lionel Messi when they face Argentina in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
Pickford said Messi’s record speaks for itself, but stressed that Argentina are far more than one player. He urged England to study the world champions’ other strengths and the weaknesses they can target.
The goalkeeper said he had watched parts of Argentina’s games and described them as hard-working as well as talented. He added that England must be fully prepared for the challenge, while backing his own side to match them.
Pickford also pointed to England’s attacking quality and said Argentina would not find their defence easy to break down. He said England’s flexibility, unity and strong mentality had helped make them a good team.
Asked about Messi’s two missed penalties at this tournament, Pickford said such numbers do not change the mindset of a player of Messi’s level. If a shootout or spot-kick moment comes, he said, it will come down to his duel with Messi.