England recorded a famous win over old foes Argentina to take a giant step towards World Cup qualification from Group F.

Once again captain David Beckham was the hero, stroking home a penalty after great work from Michael Owen seconds before half-time.

And in the second half England’s defence stepped to the fore, standing firm to claim a memorable win as Argentina mounted wave upon wave of attack.

Remember that? If you are a football fan or even simply English you surely will. The date was Friday 7th June 2002, the venue – the Sapporo Dome in Japan, the event – the crucial 2002 World Cup game against two of the strongest football teams in the world and bitterest of rivals.

England of course won the game 1-0 thanks to a David Beckham penalty after Michael Owen was brought down in the box. What followed was some of the most impressive football England has ever played.

Don’t cry for me Argentina!

These two teams meet again tonight in a pre-World Cup friendly. There will be some old and new faces in both teams since they last met. It should be a good game, I don’t normally watch friendlies but I will today. I know a lot of patriotic fans are up for this so hopefully the players are also, if you cannot get excited about playing the likes of Argentina than you may as well not bother going to Germany next summer.

Score prediction: 2-1 to England
Both teams will fancy themselves to win the World Cup next year and they boast some excellent players. On neutral ground there will be no home advantage for either team. I may live to regret this but I’m going to back England to pull off a win against the Argies. C’mon En-ger-land!