England vs Argentina greatest World Cup moments as semi-final set | OneFootball

The two foes will lock horns once again on Wednesday - here’s the history of their rivalry

England will meet reigning champions Argentina in the World Cup 2026 semi-finals in what promises to be another feisty encounter between the two foes.

The Three Lions have progressed to another World Cup semi-final by beating Norway 2-1 after extra time, before Argentina also needed an added 30 minutes to see off 10-man Switzerland 3-1 to continue their march towards a second successive world title.

England and Argentina have met five times before at the World Cup, with England holding a superior head-to-head record after victories in 1962, 1966 and 2002.

Argentina won in controversial fashion at the Estadio Azteca in 1986 en route to lifting the World Cup before knocking England out in the 1998 last-16 stage on penalties.

They will meet again on Wednesday in Atlanta, with a place in the World Cup final on the line, and there is no love lost between the two sets of supporters.

This heated rivalry has produced some spectacular goals and high drama down the years - and even the nickname of ‘Animals’ for the Argentines.

Hand of God

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‘Hand of God’ sends Argentina on their way to World Cup glory

Where else to start when speaking about England and Argentina than with one of the most talked about moments in World Cup history?

For 40 years, England have wrangled with the events of Diego Maradona’s handball goal, and some are still not over it.

With the score at 0-0 early in the second half, Maradona jumped up to contest a loose ball before raising his left arm to punch the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and into an empty net.

The referee did not spot the illegal act and awarded the goal. Argentina went on to win the game 2-1, and eventually lifted the World Cup by beating West Germany in the final.

The greatest goal in World Cup history

Just as capable of producing a moment to take your breath away as he was in dabbling in the dark arts, Maradona backed up his ‘Hand of God’ goal with one of the finest individual efforts in World Cup history.

1-0 down and still astounded by the fact that Maradona’s first goal had been allowed to stand, England’s defence were left starstruck as Maradona picked up the ball inside his own half before slaloming his way to goal with 11 touches in 11 seconds to score what was later dubbed the ‘Goal of the Century’ by FIFA.

A moment of magic so soon after such a blatant act of deception, Argentina’s 1986 victory over England summed up the flawed genius of Maradona and cemented his legacy as one of the game's all-time greatest players.

David Beckham kicked out of Diego Simeone

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Beckham sees red as England fall on penalties

Riding high from a semi-final appearance at their home European Championships, England were quietly confident of doing big things at the 1998 World Cup.

As it transpired, though, England were their own worst enemies as poster boy David Beckham was sent off for petulantly kicking out at Argentina midfielder Diego Simeone when on the floor.

The Three Lions rallied to take the game to penalties, but were dumped out in heartbreaking fashion as Argentina got the better of their bitter rivals once again.

Michael Owen

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Owen announces himself to the world

Before Beckham was given his marching orders early in the second half, there was little to seperate England and Argentina, with the scores level at 2-2 heading into the interval.

Propelled by the jet-heeled teenager Michael Owen, England had come from a goal down to take a 2-1 lead over Argentina inside 17 minutes before Javier Zanetti hit back on the stroke of half-time.

Owen’s pace had Argentina’s defence scrambling, and after winning the penalty from which Alan Shearer equalised, the Liverpool forward scored a sublime solo goal to give England the lead.

That game announced Owen to the world, and he went on to win the Ballon d’Or three years later.

David Beckham’s passionate celebration in 2002

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Beckham earns redemption from the penalty spot

The fallout from Beckham’s red card in 1998 was dramatic and, in some cases, disgraceful, as England fans and media turned on the Manchester United midfielder.

Beckham had to endure a torrent of abuse on his return to England, but by 2002 and the next World Cup, he was firmly back in favour.

Promoted to captain by Sven-Goran Eriksson in 2001, it was Beckham’s last gasp free-kick that had secured England’s place at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Beckham was the man England relied on most, so there was never any question he would step up to slam home the penalty that ensured his own personal redemption and a first win over Argentina since 1966.