Echoes of history: Argentina's eyes already on England

Published : Thursday, 9 July, 2026 at 5:10 PM

Hasibul Islam

Collected Photo

Defending champions Argentina have already begun looking ahead to a possible World Cup semi-final clash with old rivals England after sealing their place in the quarter-finals with a stunning comeback victory over Egypt. Lionel Scaloni's side will face Switzerland on Sunday, while England take on Norway, with the winners of the two ties set to meet in the last four.

Argentina's dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt has not only secured a place in the World Cup quarter-finals but has also reignited anticipation of a potential blockbuster semi-final against England.

The Albiceleste appeared to have been heading for an early exit after falling 2-0 behind. Cristian Romero sparked the comeback in the 79th minute before captain Lionel Messi restored parity just four minutes later. Enzo Fernández then completed the turnaround with a stoppage-time header to send the defending champions into the last eight.

While Argentina must first overcome Switzerland, attention has already shifted towards the possibility of facing England in the semi-finals. England, meanwhile, booked their place in the quarter-finals and will face Norway, who eliminated Brazil.

Following the victory over Egypt, videos shared on social media showed Argentina's players celebrating in the dressing room by singing the famous fan anthem Muchachos, a song that carries strong references to the Falkland Islands�"known in Argentina as the Malvinas�"and has long been associated with national identity and football rivalry.

The Argentine Football Association also shared footage of the celebrations with a caption encouraging supporters to "learn it well�" this is how La Scaloneta sings."

Originally based on the 2003 hit Muchachos, Esta Noche Me Emborracho by Argentine ska band La Mosca, the lyrics were rewritten by Fernando Romero and became one of the defining anthems of Argentina's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign. The updated version for the 2026 tournament begins by paying tribute to Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi and the Argentine soldiers who fought in the 1982 Falklands War.

The Falklands conflict remains a deeply sensitive chapter in relations between Argentina and the United Kingdom. The 74-day war claimed the lives of 649 Argentine and 255 British military personnel, leaving a lasting impact on Argentine national consciousness.

That historical rivalry has often extended onto the football pitch, most famously during the 1986 World Cup quarter-final in Mexico. Diego Maradona scored both the controversial "Hand of God" goal and the celebrated "Goal of the Century" as Argentina defeated England 2-1 before going on to lift the World Cup. Maradona later described the victory as symbolic revenge for the Falklands War.

As speculation over another Argentina-England meeting grows, Argentine supporters have revived chants aimed at England. Thousands gathered around Buenos Aires' iconic Obelisk monument after the Egypt victory, singing traditional football songs directed at their historic rivals, while similar chants have circulated widely across social media.

However, any repeat of one of football's fiercest rivalries will depend on both teams first clearing their respective quarter-final hurdles. Argentina face Switzerland, while Thomas Tuchel's England must overcome Norway.

Argentina vs England: A Historic World Cup Rivalry

Argentina and England have met five times in FIFA World Cup history. England won the first two encounters in 1962 and 1966, with the latter coming during their title-winning campaign.

Argentina responded memorably in 1986 through Maradona's unforgettable performance. England gained revenge in the 2002 World Cup group stage, winning 1-0 thanks to David Beckham's penalty after suffering a penalty shootout defeat to Argentina in the 1998 Round of 16.

Should both sides progress this weekend, the 2026 World Cup could produce another chapter in one of international football's most politically and emotionally charged rivalries.

-HIS