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England’s history with the Simeone name at the World Cup is far from favourable, so seeing Giuliano Simeone listed in Lionel Scaloni’s starting XI for today’s semi-final might have stirred some uneasy memories among English fans.

Back in the 1998 World Cup, Diego Simeone represented Argentina in their second-round clash against England in Saint-Etienne. England, despite fielding one of their strongest teams in years, were eliminated on penalties.

For many supporters, the defining moment of that contest came when England midfielder David Beckham was sent off for retaliating with a kick at Simeone — an incident that haunted Beckham for years before he famously netted the winner against Argentina in the group stage of the 2002 World Cup.

Beckham endured months of harsh criticism following that red card. Most pundits described it as a naïve moment from a young player, cleverly provoked by the experienced Argentine midfielder’s streetwise antics.

That same shrewdness has carried through into Diego Simeone’s managerial career. Now 56, he has managed several clubs in Argentina and had a brief spell in Italy with Catania before taking charge of Atlético Madrid in 2011, where he has achieved remarkable success ever since.

Giuliano Simeone, meanwhile, is now making his mark on the international stage. The Argentina winger’s only previous World Cup appearance was a 71-minute outing in the inconsequential final group match against Jordan, but he finds himself in the starting line-up today in Atlanta.

The 23-year-old is expected to combine with Lionel Messi in attack, providing energy and work rate to complement his captain’s creative brilliance. Yet, the more superstitious among England supporters might see his inclusion as a small psychological ploy — a reminder of the Simeone name that once caused them heartbreak.

Giuliano plays under his father at Atlético Madrid, and although he surely avoids calling him ‘Papa’ in the dressing room, that’s precisely who he is. Diego Simeone has three footballing sons, with Giuliano being the youngest. Giovanni, 31, currently plays for Napoli after earlier spells with Fiorentina, Cagliari, and River Plate, where he began his career. Gianluca, 27, retired from football last year.

Giuliano, the youngest of the trio, is the only one who didn’t play for River Plate’s senior team. Instead, he came through Atlético Madrid’s youth system after moving from the Buenos Aires club’s academy.

So far, Giuliano has made 65 appearances for Atlético Madrid in La Liga, all under the guidance of his father — the same man who, quite literally, brought him into the world and now shapes his footballing path.

As Argentina take on England in Georgia, fans of the Albiceleste will hope the younger Simeone can make as memorable an impact as his father did 28 years ago.

England, of course, will be determined to write a different ending this time.