England's dressing room was left raging after star Steve Hodge swapped shirts with Argentina rival Diego Maradona following the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, according to former teammates. The Three Lions were defeated 2-1 in a heated match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Maradona scored the infamous 'Hand of God' goal and a stunning solo effort.
Teammates Slam Hodge for Shirt Swap
Kenny Sansom, a teammate of Hodge, revealed the anger in the dressing room: "Certain words were said in the dressing room. It was an angry place to be because we felt we'd been cheated. Some of us had a go at Steve Hodge asking why he wanted Maradona's shirt when he was a cheat."
Peter Reid, Hodge's roommate in Mexico, added: "When we were in the hotel, he got the shirt out with the number 10 on it and says, 'What about that then?' So not only has Maradona battered me and handled one in, I've got Hodge showing me his shirt. Suffice to say, I wasn't best pleased and I gave Hodgy the biggest b********g he's ever had in his life."
Historical Context of England-Argentina Rivalry
The rivalry between England and Argentina dates back to the 1962 World Cup group stage, where England won 3-1. Four years later, England beat Argentina 1-0 in a quarter-final marred by fierce tackles. The 1986 match, however, remains the most infamous due to Maradona's handball. Subsequent meetings included David Beckham's red card in 1998 and England's revenge in 2002, but the 2026 semi-final defeat added another chapter of heartbreak.
Controversy in 2026 Semi-Final
The recent 2-1 semi-final loss was also fraught with controversy, including alleged post-match slaps involving Jude Bellingham, heated exchanges, and an Argentine banner referencing the Falklands War. The 1986 match occurred four years after the Falklands conflict, which claimed 907 lives, adding political tension to the sporting encounter.
Maradona's Infamous Goals
In the 51st minute, Hodge's sliced interception looped back toward goalkeeper Peter Shilton, and Maradona punched the ball into the net. Four minutes later, Maradona scored a brilliant 60-yard solo run to double Argentina's lead. Gary Lineker's 81st-minute goal was not enough, and England lost 2-1.
