‘Knocking you out was a huge joy’: reliving the dramas of England v Argentina in 1998 and 2002

How Diego Simeone, Michael Owen and Glenn Hoddle remember the two classic World Cup matches between historical rivals

Amid the acrimony, the wars, the deep history going back to the British invasions of 1806 and 1807, the hand of God and the boot of Beckham, there is also an acknowledgment from those closest to the struggle that England and Argentina make perfect footballing sparring partners.

Described as the only trans-continental derby, a rivalry hewn in politics and history as well as football folklore, most Argentinian footballers’ eyes light up when talk turns to England.

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