David Beckham’s red card in the 47th minute of the 1998 World Cup last‑16 tie against Argentina altered the trajectory of that game – and Diego Simeone, the man whose theatrical fall prompted it, still recalls the match with awe. Now the belligerent Atlético Madrid coach, Simeone rolled up his trouser leg during a 2002 interview at his Rome villa and pointed to a scar on his shin. “I’ve still got a souvenir from Stuart Pearce from that day,” he said, remembering his first game against England at Wembley in 1991. “Great game.”
The rivalry between England and Argentina is described as the only trans‑continental derby, hewn in politics and history as well as football folklore – from the British invasions of 1806 and 1807, through the Hand of God in 1986, to the boot of Beckham. Yet for Simeone, the football itself transcends the acrimony. “I love playing against the English,” he said. “English football is always more open, aggressive and passionate. Whether you win or lose against English teams, you always feel it’s been a proper contest.”
“Diego Simeone calls 1998 England match the best of his career and praises Shearer and Ince.”
Of the 1998 match – the first World Cup meeting since Maradona’s handball – Simeone was unequivocal. “It is the best international match I’ve played in,” he said. “They [England] were incredible that night. Alan Shearer and Paul Ince were extraordinary. At times it seemed Shearer was fighting us on his own. You have to remember they played for 70 minutes with 10 men.”
England and Argentina have not met for over 20 years, meaning the raw intensity of those two classic World Cup matches remains unresolved – a rivalry frozen in time, waiting for its next chapter.