Pickford confident England will stay calm in tense Argentina semifinal

England's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is confident his team will maintain composure in the high-stakes World Cup semifinal against Argentina on Wednesday, July 15, in Atlanta. The intense rivalry between the two nations is fueled by a history of significant on-field and off-field events.

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We're ready for anything

Pickford, 32, noted that England has largely avoided tense moments during the tournament. "You've seen throughout the tournament our desire to win duels. We haven't gotten into fights or anything like that," he said on Monday from England's training camp in Kansas City. "We've been very respectful within the game. Sometimes decisions go our way, sometimes they don't, but we reset and let the football do the talking for us."

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You've seen throughout the tournament our desire to win duels. We haven't gotten into fights or anything like that. We've been very respectful within the game. Sometimes decisions go our way, sometimes they don't, but we reset and let the football do the talking for us.

Lionel Messi will undoubtedly be a focal point, with Pickford recognizing him as one of history's greatest players. "Everyone will talk about Messi because he's one of the greatest of all time," Pickford stated. However, he quickly pivoted to highlight England's own stars. "You can't overlook the ability and talent we have in the squad. In attack and defense, there's the unity of the group. We have everything there, and that's what we need to put on a show on Wednesday."

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Everyone will talk about Messi because he's one of the greatest of all time.

The historical context of England vs. Argentina matches is often overshadowed by the dispute over the Falklands/Malvinas islands. The most infamous encounter was Argentina's 2-1 victory in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals, featuring Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century." Despite this history, Pickford suggested it holds little relevance for the current team, which aims to reach its first World Cup final since winning the tournament in 1966.

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You can't overlook the ability and talent we have in the squad. In attack and defense, there's the unity of the group. We have everything there, and that's what we need to put on a show on Wednesday.