Pickford ‘wary’ of Pulisic threat ahead of clash with ‘top nation’ USA | OneFootball

Jordan Pickford insists England will not take the USA lightly as they prepare for their second group stage game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Having beaten Iran 6-2 in their opener, the Three Lions can book their place in the knockout rounds with a win against the United States when the two nations come head-to-head on Friday evening in Al Khor.

The USA were held to a 1-1 draw in their first fixture against Wales and Pickford is preparing for a difficult match against the Americans, naming Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic as a player that they have to be ‘wary’ of.

“The USA are a top nation. They’ve got a lot of experienced players and people who we’ve come up against in the Premier League,” the England goalkeeper told a press conference.

“It is about us as a squad being 100% again and taking the confidence from the result against Iran. As a goalkeeper it is about being ready.

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“Christian Pulisic is a top player. I’ve played against him a few years now. He’s good with both feet and is clinical. We have to be wary of him.

“We are preparing for anything on the training pitch as a group of goalkeepers and I think the players will be too.”

Saudia Arabia produced one of the World Cup’s biggest-ever shocks on Tuesday as they beat one of the pre-tournament favourites, Argentina.

However, Pickford insisted that the result has had no bearing on England’s confidence of tournament success.

“No. That is what World Cup football is about,” he said.

“There are always surprises. There has been some tight games. There are always going to be surprises and Saudi Arabia played a good game.”

Read – Five players in the shop window at the World Cup

See also – Southgate airs ‘worry’ as England seek clarification on penalty rules following inconsistencies

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