England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has appealed to fans to set aside historical grievances and concentrate on the upcoming World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The match is anticipated to have a heightened police presence in Atlanta due to simmering tensions between the two nations.
Pickford echoed sentiments from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who emphasized that the upcoming game is simply a soccer match. "It is just a game of football and two passionate sets of fans going there to watch a top-level game," Pickford stated. "That's what football does. It brings fans together, it brings the nations together and it'll be, it's two proud nations, that's, that's the key word, and we're both proud nations. The football will do its talking."
The diplomatic tone from Pickford comes amid continued references to the Falkland Islands, or Malvinas as Argentina calls them, by the Argentine team. FIFA has reportedly not taken action despite footage shared online showing players singing a song with lyrics referencing the islands, which Argentina invaded in 1982. Argentina's foreign minister has also reiterated the country's claim to the islands, a stance swiftly dismissed by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
England's Football Association had reportedly prepared to ask Argentinian journalists not to discuss the war at a previous press conference. During England's victory over Norway, a player was asked about the match being a "war derby," though this was later contested as a "world derby." One reporter from the UK was also reportedly told to "go home" after objecting to being jostled by other journalists.
Despite these underlying tensions, proceedings at a recent press conference with a significant Argentinian presence were described as civil, with one reporter noted for having a "Hand of God" tattoo. Pickford stressed the importance of England's team focusing internally. "It's just solely focus on us as England now, and us being at our best at beating another top nation," he said. "And it's us against them to get a place in the final. It's a game of football, 90 minutes, 120, penalties, we're ready for anything and it's us against them and we're fully prepared for that."
When questioned about potential refereeing bias, Pickford maintained that focusing on the officials is outside the team's control, reiterating that the team's focus remains on the game itself.
Atlanta Police Department confirmed that enhanced public safety and security measures are in place. "Additional personnel and resources are already deployed and will continue to be strategically assigned in and around the event venues, entertainment districts, and other high-traffic areas to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone," a spokesperson stated. These measures aim to protect the public and deter criminal activity.
