FIFA World Cup 2026: Pickford set for record 18th World Cup appearance as England face Norway in QF
Florida, July 12
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is set to become the Three Lions' most-capped player in FIFA World Cup history after being named in the starting XI for Saturday's quarterfinal clash against Norway.
The Football Association announced the milestone on social media, confirming that Pickford will make his 18th World Cup appearance for England, surpassing legendary goalkeeper Peter Shilton's record of 17 matches. Harry Kane is next on the list with 17 World Cup appearances, followed by John Stones (16) and Marcus Rashford (15).
England also confirmed their starting lineup for the quarterfinal, with Pickford in goal behind a defence comprising Tino Livramento, Marc Guehi, John Stones and Rico Lewis. Declan Rice, Conor Gallagher and Jude Bellingham are set to marshal the midfield, while Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and Harry Kane will lead the attack.
Among the substitutes are Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers, Curtis Jones, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, James Trafford, Reece James, Archie Gray, Jordan Henderson, Dan Burn and Kobbie Mainoo.
England will be aiming to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals, while Pickford is set to mark the occasion with a historic milestone in the nation's World Cup history.
England's Playing XI against Norway
Starting XI: Jordan Pickford, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Noni Madueke, Harry Kane (captain), Anthony Gordon.
Substitutes: Jordan Henderson, James Trafford, Trevoh Chalobah, Dan Burn, Reece James, Djed Spence, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney.
— ANI
Reader Comments
18 appearances is incredible. But I'm a bit skeptical—does Pickford really deserve the record over Shilton? Shilton had 10 World Cup clean sheets, Pickford has only 4. Stats can be misleading in football.
Happy for Pickford! But I think England's real strength is their attack—Kane, Bellingham, and Gordon are fire. Let's see if they can handle Norway's pace. Exciting times for football in India too, more kids are watching World Cup! 😊
As a football fan in Canada, I'm fascinated by how global the game has become. England looks solid, but I'm hoping Norway pulls an upset. Respect to Pickford, but the record book needs context—tournaments have expanded, so more games are available.
This is amazing news! Pickford has always been clutch for England. But I'm a bit worried about their defence—Livramento and Lewis are young and inexperienced at this level. Norway's attackers could exploit that. Still, Bellingham magic might save them! ✨
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