On Wednesday night, England will come up against Argentina as they look to book their place in the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years, since winning the tournament in dramatic fashion with a 4-2 extra-time victory over West Germany on home soil in 1966.
This week also marks just over 20 years since England last faced the three-time World Cup winners, who are the current holders after defeating France 4-2 on penalties following a thrilling 3-3 draw in the 2022 World Cup final.
England have enjoyed memorable battles with Argentina
On the last official meeting between the two nations, it was the Three Lions who got the better of La Selección, meaning “The Selection”, with a thrilling 3-2 victory in a 2005 international friendly thanks to a last-gasp winner from Michael Owen.
The last time England and Argentina met at a major tournament was during the group stage of the 2002 World Cup, when Sven-Göran Eriksson’s side famously defeated the South Americans 1-0 courtesy of a David Beckham penalty, calmly slotted home.
It is also impossible to forget the heartbreak of the 1998 World Cup, when Glenn Hoddle’s England were knocked out on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw in the Round of 16. That match also produced one of the greatest goals in World Cup history, as an 18-year-old Michael Owen scored a stunning solo effort before going on to haunt Argentina once again seven years later.
On the road to World Cup glory in 1966, England faced Argentina in the quarter-finals at the old twin-towered Wembley Stadium, where another historic 1-0 victory was secured. The winning goal came from Sir Geoff Hurst, now 84 years old. He remained the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final until France’s Kylian Mbappé matched the feat 56 years later in the 2022 final.
However, the most famous meeting between the two nations remains the infamous “Hand of God” encounter at the 1986 World Cup. Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the quarter-finals after Diego Maradona’s controversial handball goal, before eventually lifting the trophy for a second time later that summer with a 3-2 victory over West Germany.
Can England book their place in the World Cup final?
From a personal perspective, I feel quite confident that England can hold their own against Argentina. Despite being the reigning World Cup champions, they have not exactly played their best football during this tournament and will still go into the match as favourites.
Perhaps, with a little bit of luck on their side once again, England can produce another famous result and move one step closer to World Cup glory.
Come on England!
Liam Harding
Do you think England can finally overcome Argentina and reach another World Cup final? Let us know your score predictions and thoughts in the comments below.
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I’m not sure about that, but I think England will meet Spain in the final since Argentina are less motivated after having won World Cup four years ago, Messi is no longer able to do high press and the English players are generally bigger for the attacking set-pieces
I hope Tuchel will give Madueke more than sixty minutes to play, because England need his dribbling ability on their right wing
gotanidea,
Play Madueke for more than 60 minutes you say. Have you not been watching his performances at the World Cup.
Plenty of dribbling I grant you, but with no end product on far to many occasions.
His final ball was inaccurate sometimes, but his dribbling skills would be needed to wreak havoc in Argentina’s defense
He was just frustrated because of Norway’s low block. Argentina would likely be more open, so it would be a perfect opportunity to start a highly skilled dribbler like him on the right wing
gotanidea
With respect, I don’t see Madueke and “havoc” as being compatible.
I am backing England, not just because I want them to meet Spain in the final, I just don’t like how FIFA are being so favourable to Argentina.
It seems obvious that, the longer Messi is on screen, the more money they are making.
Kia, correct! Without that Egypt were in the QFs.
They were leading 2-0 with 10 mins to go ?
Defend better …simple
I sense an Argentine red card. Probably Mac Allister.
I don’t conclusively say this is the best WC ever due to extraneous off field issues and reffing. Esp in this time when reffing is aided by AI robots ear piece gadgets snicko etc
Won’t be “coming home” for another four years (at least).
The moment Tuchel took off Gordon and brought on a defender, the message to England was clear. They had no out ball, and then to make matters worse, he then brought on three more defenders.
And then to add insult to injury, he then brings on Toni and Rashford in the 96+ of time added on.
Yet again England find away to blow it. But why is anyone surprised, that’s what they do.