Mario Mandzukic has been impressed by Jordan Pickford’s performances at the World Cup but has told the England goalkeeper to expect a “surprise” in the semi-final against Croatia. Pickford, 24, has been one of the standout performers under Gareth Southgate during the Three Lions’ run to the last four of a World Cup for the first time since 1990.
The Everton keeper made a brilliant penalty save in the shoot-out win over Colombia in the last 16 and continued that form into the 2-0 victory over Croatia in the quarter-finals. However, with Croatia having had eight different goalscorers at these finals – fewer only than Belgium – Mandzukic thinks his side will have the weapons to beat the former Sunderland man.
“We’ve seen he’s doing really well,” the Juventus striker told a media conference. “We’ve shown all members of our team are dangerous, so I believe someone will find a way to surprise him.
“He’s shown great potential and I’m sure he has a bright future.”