Gary Lineker has come under fire after referring to the Falkland Islands as the ‘Malvinas’ while discussing the prospect of England facing Argentina at the World Cup.
The former England striker sparked a backlash during a conversation about a possible semi-final meeting between the two nations, with supporters taking issue with his choice of words.
England are still bidding to reach the last four of the tournament, with the Three Lions due to face Norway on Saturday night.
As for Argentina, Switzerland lie in wait in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Speaking about the rivalry between the countries on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “England could face Argentina in a semi-final, we’re getting ahead of ourselves a fraction, but so much history between our nations isn’t there?
“It’s not that long ago our two countries were at war, with the Falklands or Malvinas, even before that?”
His reference to “Malvinas” – the Spanish name used by Argentina for the Falkland Islands – quickly prompted criticism on social media.
Many supporters questioned why Lineker had chosen to use the Argentine name alongside the British one.
One user wrote: “‘Or Malvinas’ – give it a rest Gary.”
Another commented: “What do you mean ‘or Malvinas’, Gary?”
A third added: “Falklands or what?”
A fourth simply posted: ‘”They are called the Falklands!!”‘
The Falkland Islands remain a highly sensitive subject in Britain following the 1982 conflict between the UK and Argentina, with the sovereignty dispute continuing to be a source of political tension between the two countries.
The football rivalry has also produced some of the sport’s most iconic moments, including Argentina’s controversial victory over England at the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona scored both the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and his remarkable solo effort later dubbed the ‘Goal of the Century’.
England’s wait for revenge continued in 1998, despite producing one of the tournament’s most memorable matches.
Michael Owen announced himself on the global stage with a breathtaking solo goal, but Glenn Hoddle’s side were dealt a huge blow when David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone.
England battled bravely with 10 men to force penalties after a 2-2 draw, only for Paul Ince and David Batty to miss as Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals.
Four years later, however, Beckham had his redemption.
England beat Argentina 1-0 at the 2002 World Cup in Japan, with Beckham scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after Michael Owen had been fouled by Mauricio Pochettino.
It was a hugely emotional moment for Beckham, who had been vilified after his red card in France four years earlier.
The nations have not met at a World Cup since, but the rivalry has never lost its edge.
Now, another chapter could be written if both countries navigate their quarter-finals this weekend.
