England will reignite their rivalry with Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals this week, 28 years after David Beckham’s infamous kickout against Diego Simeone.
Jordan Pickford continues to shine with the Three Lions (Image: Getty Images)
Jordan Pickford insists England will not fall for Argentina’s dark arts like David Beckham did in 1998.
La Albiceleste will have no qualms about using dirty tricks to protect their World Cup crown, but Pickford believes Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions are too street-friendly for that.
When asked how important it was for England to remain calm, he replied: “Yeah, I think you could tell throughout the tournament that we had a desire to win tackles, but we didn’t get into any brawls or anything like that.
“We’ve been very respectful in the game. Decisions go our way and sometimes they don’t go our way. We just reset and try again and let the football do its thing.
“I think that’s what we’ve done throughout the tournament. Other than Jarrell (Quansah), we haven’t had a single suspension or a second yellow card or anything like that.
“It just shows the mentality we have and we don’t get caught up in that kind of thing. We stay focused and we stay together.”
Beckham, who was sent off for a kickout against Diego Simeone 28 years ago, not only allowed England to use Inter Miami’s training facility, but also enthusiastically cheered on the Three Lions’ game against Norway at the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday.
Pickford, who currently holds the record for England’s World Cup appearances with 18, is aware of the acrimonious history between the two countries but believes it is not worth getting drawn into the intensity of the match.
Beckham was infamously sent off against Argentina in 1998 (Image: Getty Images)
He added: “I think it’s just a football game and the die-hard fans on both sides go there to watch a top-level football game, that’s what the game is about.”
“That’s the key, bringing the fans together, bringing the country together, two proud countries. Both countries are proud. The football will tell the story and as far as referees go, that’s their job. We can’t control that narrative, we just focus on the football.”
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