PICKFORD VOWS: WE WON’T BE EASING UP!
EX-SUNDERLAND KEEPER GUNNING FOR TOP SPOT IN ENGLAND’S WORLD CUP GROUP FINALE
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford would happily pocket three points and a clean sheet if Belgium decide to take it easy in Kaliningrad tomorrow (7pm kick-off ).
The Wearsider insists that there is no chance of the Three Lions dialling down their own intensity.
The World Cup Group G rivals are already through to the last 16 and tomorrow’s meeting will see them squabbling over first and second place, rather than anything more dramatic.
Projections suggest that the team which finishes as runner-up would enjoy a more gentle sequence of knockout fixtures – a prospect which the Belgians are reportedly keen on, particularly as they would also play their first knockout match in Moscow, where they are based.
England, though, appear more bullish about the fixture and goalkeeper Pickford sees no need for split priorities.
“If that’s how they feel it will make my job easier,” Everton’s former Sunderland keeper said.
“If they don’t want to score, they won’t have any shots. We’re ready for them and we’re ready to win the game. We want to finish top of the group.”
Brazil or Germany are shaping up as nightmare quarter-final possibilities for the team which takes top spot – assuming, of course, they also negotiate their first knockout game – but Pickford is ready for all-comers.
“It doesn’t matter who we might play next because to get as far as you can, to get to the final, you’re going to have to face these top teams,” he said.
“Either way, you’re going to have to play them so, if we play them early, that’s how it’s going to be.”
Manager Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, moved to sweep aside any sense of complacency.
Referencing England’s recent failings on the global stage – humbled in the round of 16 by Germany in 2010 and failing to progress from their group four years later – he said: “We’ve won our last knockout game in 2006, so it’s pointless me worrying about what hotel we might be able to stay in in the semi-final. Let’s focus on Belgium.”
Belgian boss Roberto Martinez has publicly pondered wholesale changes and England will make alterations too.
Eric Dier, Gary Cahill, Danny Rose and Marcus Rashford are all in strong contention for starts.
Pickford said: “It’s a team game. There’s 23 players and all 23 in the squad are fighting for places.
“The whole squad is here to play football. Everyone wants to be playing. It’s so tough to call who’s going to play because the ability in the squad is unbelievable
“It gives opportunities for a few lads to get some minutes under their belt.”