England vs Argentina: Rivalry and revenge at the FIFA World Cup

England's 3-1 victory over Argentina in the 1962 World Cup group stage is England's biggest winning margin in the rivalry.

In the 1966 quarterfinal, Argentina captain Antonio Rattin was sent off, and England manager Alf Ramsey called Argentine players 'animals'.

Diego Maradona scored both the 'Hand of God' goal and a legendary solo goal in Argentina's 2-1 quarterfinal win in 1986, seen as revenge for the Falklands War.

David Beckham was sent off in the 1998 round of 16 match against Argentina, leading to England's penalty shootout loss.

Argentina players celebrated their 2026 quarterfinal win over Switzerland with anti-English chants referencing the Malvinas, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi.