Jordan Pickford vs Julian Alvarez record proves worrying trend ahead of England vs Argentina World Cup clash

Jordan Pickford will have one big task ahead of him when England take on Argentina next in the World Cup.

The Three Lions advanced to the semi-final of the competition after beating Norway 2-1 thanks to a Jude Bellingham brace.

One criticism of Thomas Tuchel's side so far in North America has been its shakiness at the back, with some comments hurled Pickford's way.

Despite this, the Everton star has had a good tournament overall and could have done nothing about Andreas Schjelderup's awkward effort that went over his reach in the Norway game.

The former Sunderland man now just has the small task of keeping Lionel Messi's Argentina at bay in order to help his own nation through to their first World Cup final since 1966.

While the spotlight will be on Messi, Julian Alvarez is someone Pickford knows well from facing him at club level, as the Everton shot-stopper may slightly fear the task ahead of him.

Jordan Pickford's record vs Julian Alvarez

Pickford's first poor moment of the World Cup came when he was unable to prevent Martin Baturina's powerful effort in England's opening game against Croatia.

Since then, he's rarely put a foot wrong and was particularly good in the courageous 3-2 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca.

The 32-year-old would ideally like to keep a clean sheet against Argentina, but the defending World Cup champions have scored a whopping 17 goals in six games so far, four better than England's tally of 13.

However, Pickford knows he not only has a challenge against Messi, but also Alvarez, whom he's faced multiple times in the Premier League when playing against Manchester City.

The now Atletico Madrid star played four times against England's number one in the Premier League, and won 100 per cent of the games he started in for City.

The only time he featured and didn't beat Pickford's Everton was when he came off the bench for three minutes in a 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium on New Year's Eve in 2022.

Alvarez scored in Man City's 3-1 win over the Toffees on 27 December 2023, and is someone that Pickford has never won against at club level.

Timing doesn't bode well either for the Three Lions.

Alvarez just added to England's and Pickford's concern; here's why

It's going to be the first time England have played Argentina since 2002 when the two meet on Wednesday.

The Three Lions won their last meeting, courtesy of a 44th-minute penalty from David Beckham.

But it's fair to say that lots has changed since then, as Argentina look for back-to-back World Cup triumphs.

With Pickford's record against Alvarez already looking concerning, England fans won't want to know who just broke their goal-scoring drought in the quarter-final.

You guessed it, Alvarez, who netted his first of the competition in his nation's 3-1 win over Switzerland.