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Few international football rivalries carry as much intensity as an England versus Argentina encounter.

Across 14 meetings between the two nations, their animosity truly ignited following the notorious 1986 World Cup clash, which took place with memories of the Falklands War still vivid.

The sides met again in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, both marked by controversy. In 1998, David Beckham’s red card became the defining moment of the Saint-Étienne showdown, before England managed to earn a measure of redemption in Sapporo four years later through a disputed penalty decision.

Michael Owen played a central role in both matches. In 1998, he scored what many regard as the goal of the tournament, weaving past Argentina’s defence before finding the net. By 2002, fresh off his Ballon d’Or triumph, he once again led England’s attack.

Opposing him that day was future Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, who anchored the Argentina backline under Marcelo Bielsa. The Albiceleste had dominated qualifying and entered the tournament in Japan and South Korea among the favourites to win the title.

After the dramatic penalty shootout four years prior, many expected another close contest, and this match followed that script.

Just before half-time, Owen burst into the penalty area, seemed to shift past Pochettino, and went down. Referee Pierluigi Collina immediately pointed to the spot, and Beckham calmly converted the penalty, securing a 1-0 win for Sven-Göran Eriksson’s England.

However, the decision sparked debate, with several observers accusing Owen of diving.

“It was a penalty because it was given… [*Laughs*],” Pochettino told FourFourTwo.

“Once, in Qatar, I met Pierluigi Collina, the referee from that match. He never admitted it was an error, but we all know that with VAR today, that decision would have been overturned. I’ve watched that clip countless times.”

“From his angle, I can understand why he gave it. Without the technology we now have, his call made sense. But I never made contact with Owen.”

“When I was managing Southampton, Owen was working as a television pundit. I heard he was visiting one day and asked my press officer to invite him over. I had a photo ready – one that clearly showed there was no contact. He signed it and cheekily wrote, ‘You definitely touched me,’ adding a smiley face.”

“We both had a good laugh about it. He was sharp, and I was perhaps a bit naive,” Pochettino added with a smile.