How Jordan Pickford can end 16-year Everton wait as Argentina vow made
Jordan Pickford can become the first serving Everton player to reach a World Cup final in 16 years on Wednesday.
The Toffees goalkeeper is expected to earn his 91st England cap when Thomas Tuchel’s side face holders Argentina in Atlanta.
Pickford has already experienced a World Cup semi-final, having started England’s defeat to Croatia in 2018.
However, victory this time would take him one step further and place him alongside a former Everton defender in the club’s international history.
Johnny Heitinga was the last active Toffees player to feature in the showpiece, representing the Netherlands against Spain in 2010.
With this in mind, Pickford has vowed that England are prepared for every possible scenario against Lionel Messi and company.
What has Jordan Pickford said before Argentina clash?
Speaking ahead of the semi-final, Pickford insisted England would remain focused and avoid becoming distracted by the historic rivalry between the two countries.
“We’ve got that resilience, we’ve got that togetherness and we’ve got that mentality,” he said at the pre-match press conference.
“That’s what makes a good team.
“It’s us against them to get a place in the final, and it’s a game of football. Ninety minutes, 120, penalties.
“We’re ready for anything, and it’s us against them and it’s about who comes out on top. We’re fully prepared for that."
Goodison News previously analysed how Pickford can stop Argentine star Messi over the distance, and now with the clash here, he will know that he is just over 180 minutes away from writing history at Everton.
What is Everton's history with the World Cup final?
No player has reached a World Cup final while representing Everton since Heitinga started for the Netherlands against Spain in Johannesburg.
The defender was dismissed during extra time before Andres Iniesta scored the only goal of the 2010 final.
Pickford now has the opportunity to end that 16-year wait and become the latest Toffees player to appear on football’s biggest stage.
Ray Wilson remains the only player to win the competition while contracted to Everton, having featured throughout England’s successful 1966 campaign.
That possibility would become relevant should England overcome Argentina, but Pickford’s immediate task is simply helping his country reach Sunday’s final.
The 32-year-old has already become England’s leading appearance-maker at the World Cup and has represented the country in two European Championship finals.