England vs Argentina: A history of classic World Cup rivalry
As England and Argentina prepare for their World Cup semi-final, we look back at the most iconic moments of their historic rivalry.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: Антон Зайцев
As the World Cup reaches its climax, fans are set for a high-stakes semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta. This encounter renews one of the most storied rivalries in international football, carrying the weight of history for both nations.
The rivalry is forever linked to the 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico. It was there that Diego Maradona produced two of the most talked-about moments in the sport: the controversial 'Hand of God' and his legendary solo run from midfield, often cited as the greatest goal in football history. For England, the match at the Estadio Azteca remains an iconic and painful memory.
The history of this fixture goes deeper. In the 1962 World Cup in Chile, Bobby Charlton delivered a remarkable performance, showcasing his ability to beat defenders on his way to scoring a spectacular goal that remains a highlight of this historic rivalry.
Another chapter was written during the 1998 World Cup in France. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, with Argentina eventually advancing on penalties. That game featured Michael Owen's clinical strike past Carlos Roa and Javier Zanetti's composed finish, which capped off a perfectly executed set-piece play just before halftime.