Peter Reid backs England to beat Argentina and exorcise the 1986 Hand of God at World Cup 2026

Peter Reid, the former England midfielder who was on the pitch when Diego Maradona scored both his infamous goals at the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, believes the current Three Lions squad can beat Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final and finally close the book on one of football’s most painful chapters.

Reid, 70, told the Mirror he is confident despite England’s inconsistent form throughout the tournament. “Do I think we have enough? I think we will beat them,” he said. “We have not been great but we are finding a way. With Kane and Bellingham, you always have a chance. I know they have Messi, but I still think we will beat them.”

The former Everton midfielder pointed to the influence of head coach Thomas Tuchel and his assistant Anthony Barry as key factors. “With Tuchel and Anthony Barry, and I know him very well, I think we will have enough to combat Messi,” Reid said. “Thomas Tuchel seems to get his substitutions right. I honestly believe they will beat them.”

Reid drew on his own memories of that defining night in Mexico City, describing the political atmosphere surrounding the match — played just four years after the Falklands War — as unlike anything else he experienced in his career. “I have played in big games all over the world, but for political reasons that 1986 quarter-final was unbelievable,” he said.

On the perennial debate over the greatest player of all time, Reid was characteristically measured. “I think Diego was absolutely outstanding, but it is impossible to say who was the best in the world,” he said, listing Dixie Dean, Tom Finney, Duncan Edwards, Messi, Alfredo Di Stéfano, George Best, and Denis Law among those who complicate any definitive answer.

Reid also used the interview to reflect on how the modern game has changed, arguing that VAR and stricter officiating have fundamentally altered the physical contest. “Nowadays there is no physical contact in my opinion,” he said. “They are great athletes, but they do not have to face what the players did in my day.” He recalled Howard Kendall’s pre-match instructions at Everton — “Get into them early doors, get an early tackle in” — and questioned how today’s stars would cope under the same conditions.

Looking beyond the semi-final, Reid predicted France would beat Spain in the other last-four tie, and admitted uncertainty about an England victory in a potential final against Les Bleus. “I am not sure if we will beat France in the final,” he said, “but Kane and Bellingham are not bad — with them, we always have a chance.”

Maradona’s first goal in Argentina’s 2-1 win in 1986 was later described by the Argentine himself as scored “a little with the head of Maradona, a little with the hand of God.” His second, in which he dribbled past five England outfield players and goalkeeper Peter Shilton, has since been voted the goal of the century. The match ball from that game was sold by Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser for £2 million four years ago.