Gary Lineker has refused to back down after criticism over his comments about the Falkland Islands ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
The former England captain sparked a huge backlash after referring to the British overseas territory as “the Falkland Islands or Las Malvinas” during television coverage, using both the British and Argentine names for the islands.
His remarks prompted anger from some viewers before Wednesday night’s blockbuster showdown in Atlanta, where England and Argentina will renew one of international football’s fiercest rivalries.
Speaking on The News Agents podcast, Lineker defended his comments and insisted he had done nothing more than state a fact.
“I’ve said it 100 times over the years. I don’t see why that is an issue really,” he said.
“Well, that’s what they call it. That’s what I said.
“That’s what they call it in Argentina, Islas Malvinas. So, it’s just a factually correct term.
“We call it the Falklands, but it’s okay, isn’t it? We can be diplomatic enough to do that, I’m sure.”
The Falkland Islands remain a British overseas territory but continue to be claimed by Argentina. The sovereignty dispute led to the 1982 Falklands conflict, which lasted 74 days.
Lineker also urged people to keep the football match separate from the historical dispute.
“I cannot get my head around any wars and there’s so many going on in the world at the moment that we should probably focus on a little bit more than the Falklands 40 odd years ago,” he said.
“I honestly think they want to beat us because they want to win the World Cup, and I think we want to beat them because we want to win the World Cup, not to prove some point 40 odd years on.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel also acknowledged the emotional significance the fixture holds for Argentina, suggesting history still provides extra motivation for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
When asked whether the occasion could inspire the defending champions, Tuchel admitted he believed it would.
“I know some of the players, I coached some of the players, I can sense it,” the England boss said.
“You can see it. They have this kind of edge. You can sense it when they’re going a goal down, and when matches are tight.
“They’re a tough team to beat. It’s just what it is. They’re a tough group.
“They’re almost the same group as four years ago. You can see the cohesion, you can see the sacrifice that they put into it.
They don’t panic when they’re behind. They believe in their style. And their style is a very emotional style. It was in Qatar, and it is now. They have the same coach.
“And of course, history, they are also fuelled by that, they are fuelled by history, it means a lot to them.
“So, this is what we basically expect, and what we are up against. But we are also emotional; we have the grit, we have the mentality that it takes to go up against it. And we are ready for it.”
England are aiming to reach their first World Cup final in 60 years, while reigning champions Argentina are hoping to defend the trophy they lifted in Qatar four years ago.
