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Mario Mandzukic Sends Message To Jordan Pickford Ahead Of World Cup Semi-Final

Mario Mandzukic Sends Message To Jordan Pickford Ahead Of World Cup Semi-Final

The Croatian has been talking about the England keeper prior to Tuesday's fixture.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Jordan Pickford has emerged as one of England's World Cup stars, and Mario Mandzukic is wary of his presence while sending him an ominous message ahead of Tuesday's semi-final.

The Everton keeper produced heroics between the sticks against Colombia, pulling off a stunning save before preventing Carlos Bacca from scoring in the penalty shoot-out.

Pickford saves a spot kick. Image: PA
Pickford saves a spot kick. Image: PA

And he continued his brilliant form versus Sweden, keeping a clean sheet thanks to some unreal saves.

Next for England; Croatia.

Gareth Southgate's charges are one game away from a spot in the World Cup final.

Standing in their way is Zlatko Dalić's team which includes the likes of Luka Modric and Mandzukic, whose talked up Pickford.

"We've seen that he [Pickford] is doing very well at the World Cup," he said via Daily Mail.

Pickford cheers. Image: PA
Pickford cheers. Image: PA
Pickford celebrates after beating Colombia. Image: Pa
Pickford celebrates after beating Colombia. Image: Pa

The Juventus striker has tipped Pickford to enjoy a bright future but he believes someone will find a a way to surprise him.

"He has good potential and I'm sure he has a bright future. [But] I believe someone will find a way to surprise him."

Pickford being Pickford. Image: PA
Pickford being Pickford. Image: PA

Mandzukic also liked England's chances before the tournament due to their young and hungry team.

"England was one of the favourites for me before tournament because they have a young, hungry team with no international movie stars.

"It's difficult to compare clubs with the national team. We know every England player, respect them as a team and individuals. It's a 50/50 chance. England deserve to be here. We deserve to be here," he added.

Croatia head into the semi-final tie off the back of two penalty shootouts victories over Denmark then Russia.

England secured passage following wins against Colombia then Sweden... IT'S COMING HOME!

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Football, Croatia, England, Jordan Pickford, World Cup

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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