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

England’s David Beckham (left) is shown red by the Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen after he kicked out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone. Photograph: Adam Butler/PA

In all 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.