Alan Shearer Reflects on 1998 Heartbreak Ahead of England's Semi-Final

New Delhi, India Jul 15, 2026 ALN: It is 28 years since Argentina ended my World Cup dream at France '98 - and it still hurts now.

I can still picture their players dancing and celebrating next to us as both teams waited to get on their buses after our epic last-16 tie. We had come so close to beating them, but we fell on the wrong side of a penalty shootout, and we were going home.

I was captain and it was tough to take, not just personally but because we had an outstanding team and I felt we had an opportunity at that tournament to make a real statement on the world stage.

This sentiment resonates deeply in the world of football, particularly in the context of the World Cup, where emotions run high and the stakes are at their peak. England's performance in 1998 is often recalled as a painful chapter in the nation's football history. The team, filled with talent and potential, was expected to advance further, but the heart-wrenching exit left a mark on the players and fans alike.

Fast forward to the present, and I feel the same way about this England side as they prepare for Wednesday's semi-final in Atlanta (20:00 BST), with a chance to change their lives forever. The anticipation surrounding this match is palpable, as fans and players alike hope for a different outcome than what was experienced in '98.

They are two wins away from immortality, and the fact it is Argentina we face again first just adds more spice to an already incredible occasion. The historical rivalry between England and Argentina is rich with drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. The infamous Hand of God goal by Diego Maradona in 1986 and the subsequent heartbreak in 1998 have solidified this matchup as one of the most significant in football history.

There is something special about playing them at a World Cup because of the great rivalry between us and the drama and the controversy of our defeats in the quarter-finals in 1986 and then the one in 1998 I played in. These matches have transcended mere sporting events; they have become cultural touchstones, reflecting the intense emotions and national pride associated with football.

But it is even more exciting when there is a place in the final at stake. Especially because standing in our way is the little genius himself Lionel Messi - arguably the greatest player of all time, who has never faced England before. Messi's stature in the game elevates the importance of this match even further, as fans and pundits alike speculate on how he will perform against a team with whom he has a complicated history.

This is the mouth-watering tie we wanted, and I definitely think we can win it... it does not really matter how. Our players just have to make sure they land on the right side of the result this time, and ensure they are not talking like me about what could or should have been, 28 years from now.

'I would not be surprised if we saw another red card'

Thinking about Wednesday's game takes me back to Saint-Etienne in 1998, which was one of the most memorable matches I ever played in, and certainly one of the most talked about. The intensity of that encounter was palpable, as both teams fought not only for victory but for national pride.

There were so many sub-plots that night at Stade Geoffroy Guichard, from Michael Owen's amazing goal to their brilliant free-kick, then David Beckham's red card, us playing for 75 minutes with 10 men and Sol Campbell having a goal disallowed, before the agony of losing on penalties. Each of these moments contributed to the narrative of the match, creating a tapestry of emotions that still lingers in the minds of those who witnessed it.

It was an unbelievable night with everything that happened and, while I know I should be over it by now, I still don't think the best team won. This lingering sentiment is common among athletes who experience the agony of defeat in high-stakes situations, as they often reflect on what could have been under different circumstances.

What happened to us then should be a warning to England now, because these are the kind of games where tempers can boil over and affect the result. The pressure of the occasion can lead to rash decisions, both on the pitch and from match officials. I would not be surprised at all if we saw another red card this time too, but I am slightly concerned where the refereeing will be at, and how VAR might impact us.

It feels like there has been a huge shift in the narrative from referees and VAR as the tournament has gone on and there have been some bizarre decisions, including some that have gone Argentina's way. The introduction of VAR has sparked debate and controversy in football, with many arguing that it has not always enhanced the game but rather added layers of complexity and confusion.

The one that ruled out Egypt's goal against them in the last 16, because of a foul at the other end of the pitch, was just astonishing and I just hope for both teams there is no more controversy in this tie. The stakes are high enough without the added pressure of contentious officiating.

It will be a red-hot atmosphere, and it will be hard enough for England playing 11 v 11, so cool heads will be imperative. The ability to remain composed under pressure is crucial, as even the slightest mistake can alter the course of the match. I know how hard it is not to react in the heat of the battle but we cannot afford to do anything rash that might give the referee or VAR the chance to get involved.

Which superstar will settle it?

I don't think Argentina have played great football to get this far, but they have scored some great goals. They are an experienced and streetwise team, and they are also the defending champions. Their journey to the semi-finals has been marked by resilience, showcasing their ability to adapt and find ways to win, even when not at their best.

They are not as good as they were when they won it four years ago, but what they have been great at is always finding some way to get a result when they have needed it. This ability to grind out results is a hallmark of successful teams, particularly in knockout tournaments where the pressure can be relentless.

Having Messi up top obviously helps. Everything Argentina do goes through him, and they always look for where he is whenever they win the ball. The tactical focus on Messi is a testament to his influence on the game; he is not just a player but a pivotal figure who can change the outcome of matches with a single moment of brilliance.

How do you stop him? Well, using someone like Djed Spence to mark him man-to-man and track him wherever he goes would be one option, but I think England will stick with the same shape they have used in their previous six games. This decision reflects a strategic approach that values team cohesion and collective defensive effort over individual marking.

So, instead of someone focusing on following Messi, it will probably be a matter of one or two of our players getting across to him to limit his space whenever he gets the ball. This collective defensive strategy can be effective, allowing for flexibility and adaptation based on the flow of the game.

There will be other battles going on all over the pitch as well so, for England to win, we will have to do more than just keep Messi quiet, but if we can do that then obviously we have got a much better chance. The match will be a test of tactics, skill, and mental fortitude, as both teams look to outmaneuver one another in pursuit of victory.

Still, if I am going to mention Messi, I have to speak about our superstars too. Harry Kane has been brilliant, while Jude Bellingham is having the tournament of his life. Kane's leadership and goal-scoring ability have been vital for England, while Bellingham's emergence as a key player has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike.

Like Messi, Bellingham has won four man-of-the-match awards - or Superior Player of the Match as FIFA likes to call them - so far, which is incredible. Their performances have not only elevated their own reputations but have also bolstered England's chances in the tournament.

They are both in the conversation for the player of the tournament and they are both match-winners. You have to think that, whoever goes through to the final, one of them will play a huge part. The anticipation surrounding their performances adds another layer of excitement to the match, as fans eagerly await to see who will rise to the occasion.

I am backing England to make it - I think we will have enough to beat Argentina, because we will cause them more problems than they will cause us - but there is no way I am expecting it to be straightforward. The unpredictability of knockout football means that anything can happen, and teams must be prepared for the unexpected.

None of our games at this World Cup have been easy or even comfortable up until now, with maybe the exception of the second half of our opening match against Croatia, and I don't see this one being any different. The resilience and determination displayed by both teams will be tested to the limit, as they fight for a place in the final.

I will be there again, co-commentating with Guy Mowbray and my message to the viewers back home would be strap yourself in - it could be a wonderful evening for us all, but it will definitely be a bumpy ride. The emotional rollercoaster of a World Cup semi-final is unlike any other, and fans can expect a match filled with tension, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

Alan Shearer was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan