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CAN'T PICK ON US: England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford insists they will be no repeat of David Beckham in 1998 with Three Lions ready for Argentina dark arts in World Cup semi-final
Jul 13 2026 22:48 · By Ryan Taylor · 39 Reads
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Jordan Pickford insists
England
will not fall for Argentina's dark arts - like
David Beckham
did in 1998.
La Albiceleste will have no qualms utilising dirty tricks as they seek to defend their
World Cup
crown but
Pickford
believes
Thomas Tuchel'
s Three Lions are too streetwise for that.
He said when asked how important it is that England keep their heads: "Yeah, I think you've seen throughout the tournament our desire to win tackles but we haven't gotten into any scuffles or anything.
"We've been very respectful within the game. Decisions go our way, they don't go our way, we just reset, we go again and we let the football do the talking.
"I think that's what we've done throughout the tournament. Apart from Jarell [Quansah], we've not had any suspensions or second yellow cards or anything like that.
"It just shows the mentality that we have and we don't get wrapped up in sort of things like that. We stay focused and we stay together."
Not only did Beckham - sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone 28 years ago - let England use Inter Miami's training facilities but he also passionately cheered on the Three Lions against
Norway
at the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday.
While Pickford, who is now England's all-time appearance holder at World Cups with 18, is aware of the fiery history between the two nations, he sees no value in getting embroiled in the fixture's ferocity.
He continued: "I think it's just a game of football and both passionate fans are going there to watch a top-level game of football, that's what it does.
"It brings fans together, it brings the nations together and it's two proud nations, that's the key. We're both proud nations. The football will do its talking and regarding the referees, that's their job. We can't control that narrative and it's about just focusing on the football."