How Everton No 1 Jordan Pickford can keep Lionel Messi quiet when England take on Argentina in World Cup semi-finals

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford faces perhaps the greatest individual challenge of his career as England meet Lionel Messi and Argentina.

On Saturday, the Three Lions sealed their spot in the semi-finals of the World Cup win a win against Norway.

Jude Bellingham would net a double on the night, after Andreas Schjelderup opened the scoring in the first half, while Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1.

Messi did not score in the quarter-final, but still created Alexis Mac Allister's opening goal.

The 39-year-old has now been directly involved in 10 goals at the tournament - holding the outright World Cup records for both goals and assists.

Stopping him cannot be Pickford's responsibility alone, but the Everton shotstopper may have one key advantage.

The one Lionel Messi weakness that Jordan Pickford can expose

The most intriguing element of the contest from a team and individual perspective could arrive if penalties are required to decide the outcome.

The Argentine talisman has scored eight times during the tournament, but penalties have represented one notable weakness in an otherwise extraordinary campaign.

He has already failed to convert twice against Austria and Egypt, becoming the first player to miss more than one penalty at a single World Cup, excluding shootouts.

Pickford meanwhile , has built an impressive reputation in tournament shootouts.

The Everton goalkeeper has saved four of the 14 penalties he has faced across World Cup and European Championship shootouts, including two in the Euro 2020 final and Manuel Akanji’s effort during England’s Euro 2024 quarter-final victory over Switzerland.

He is also comfortable creating pressure around the taker. Whether through delaying his movement, studying notes on his bottle or simply making his presence felt.

Should Wednesday's clash go all the way, England will most certainly feel confident in a shootout, simply due to who is between the sticks.

At the same time, he will feel confident in stopping even arguably the greatest of all time from 12 yards.

Will England need Pickford amid Messi challenge?

The dream scenario for both Pickford and England, would be one where he is not required all too much.

Of course that is unlikely in a World Cup semi-final, but there is a way in which the Three Lions stop Argentina.

Even at 39, Messi is the beating heart and soul of the side, and is still the man looked for at almost any point when in possession.

Outside of his impact, Lionel Scaloni's side have looked quite toothless at times.

If those in front of Pickford can remain organised, and potentially keep the ball enough to prevent Messi getting in his stride, the challenge may be made easier for the Toffees man.

If limited to shots outside area - a situation in which Pickford thrives - and maybe even from the spot, England could just hold the upper hand against the little magician.

Although, nothing ever comes as a guarantee against Messi, and an Argentina side who have proven capable of finding wins out of nothing this summer.