Shearer: '98 pain still fresh, but England can make history against Argentina

Alan Shearer says the wound from England’s 1998 World Cup exit to Argentina has never fully healed, but he believes Gareth Southgate’s side have the tools to rewrite the script when the two nations meet again in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup in Atlanta. Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the former England captain recalled the agony of that last-16 tie in Saint-Étienne – a night of Michael Owen’s brilliance, David Beckham’s red card, Sol Campbell’s disallowed goal and ultimately defeat on penalties. “I can still picture their players celebrating next to us as we waited for the buses. We had come so close. It still hurts now,” Shearer said. “But this England team has a chance to change their lives. Two wins from immortality, and facing Argentina again only adds more spice.” Shearer pointed to Lionel Messi as the main threat – “the little genius, arguably the greatest of all time” – but insisted England can win. He also warned about discipline, noting the 1998 red card and the potential for VAR controversy after what he called “bizarre decisions” in Argentina’s favour, including the disallowed Egypt goal in the last 16. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw another red card,” Shearer added. “Cool heads are essential.” He suggested Djed Spence as a possible man‑to‑man marker for Messi, but expects England to stick with their current system. The match kicks off at 20:00 BST on 15 July, live on broadcaster One and broadcaster iPlayer.