Pickford: England will not solely focus on Messi in Argentina clash
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford stated that his team will not focus exclusively on Lionel Messi during their upcoming World Cup semi-final against Argentina. Pickford emphasized the importance of England's collective squad strength and resilience in facing the reigning champions.
Why it matters
The match represents a high-stakes encounter in a major global sporting event, drawing significant international attention.
Pickford: England will not solely focus on Messi in Argentina clash Lionel Messi has been Argentina's standout performer at the World Cup, but England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is relishing the test. Jordan Pickford insisted Argentina are World Cup champions because of the quality in their entire squad, not just their captain, Lionel Messi.
England take on Argentina at Atlanta Stadium in the semi-finals of the World Cup on Wednesday, with the winner facing either France or Spain in the showpiece match.
Both teams needed extra time to reach the final four, with Jude Bellingham's 93rd-minute winner helping England to a 2-1 victory over Erling Haaland and Norway.
Argentina, meanwhile, beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 thanks to strikes from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez, with Messi also getting an assist at Kansas City Stadium.
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