England shot-stopper Jordan Pickford has faced his fair amount of criticism this tournament and now faces his biggest test in the blockbuster semi-final against world champions Argentina.
While becoming the record-appearance holder for England at World Cups with 18 caps, the 32-year-old has been in the limelight after being at fault for two of the knockout-stage goals conceded. DR Congo’s shock opener inside six minutes through Brian Cipenga saw Everton keeper Pickford beaten at his near post before he failed to collect Andreas Schjelderup’s looping cross-cum-shot from a tight angle against Norway.
Whether you love or loathe his on-field antics, Emiliano Martinez has had a remarkable rise from plying his trade on loan at several EFL sides to a three-time Golden Glove winner. The Aston Villa fan favourite sparked his career into life with his 2020 move to the West Midlands before announcing himself on the world stage.
From being on the fringes of the Argentine set-up to one of the first names on the teamsheet, the 33-year-old has played a huge part in two Copa America triumphs, La Albiceleste's 2022 World Cup win and become a national hero with his penalty antics and 10 saves out of 24 in shootouts.
