Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterEngland don't have the best World Cup history with the Simeone name, so the inclusion of Giuliano Simeone in Lionel Scaloni's starting line-up for today's World Cup semi-final might have sent shivers down some spines.At World Cup 1998, Diego Simeone played for Argentina in the second round match against England in Saint-Etienne. England were beaten on penalties with one of the best teams they'd assembled for years.The turning point in the eyes of many supporters was the infamous sending-off of England midfielder David Beckham, who was dismissed for kicking out at Simeone four years before scoring the winner against Argentina in the group stage of the next World Cup.Are Guiliano Simeone and Diego Simeone related?Beckham was pilloried for many months after his red card, which most commentators assessed as a mistake from the young midfielder but also the result of streetwise play by the Argentina legend.That determined cynicism survived into Simeone's managerial career. The 56-year-old had spells in charge of several clubs in Argentina and a short stint as the head coach of Italian side Catania, and has been in charge of Atletico Madrid since 2011 with a great degree of success. You may like How to watch England vs Argentina for FREE David Beckhams red card at France 98 was excessive. He shouldnt have been sent off, but Diego Simeone was clever Javier Zanettis World Cup 98 admission When is the next England football match? Three Lions vs Argentina in the World Cup 2026 semi-final promises to be a huge occasion Argentina winger Giuliano Simeone 's only previous football at the World Cup came in the form of 71 minutes in the meaningless last group stage match against Jordan but is in the starting line-up in Atlanta.The 23-year-old will be expected to combine with Lionel Messi and also to do some of the physical graft his veteran captain will not, but the most paranoid of England fans might consider his selection a subtle act of psychological warfare.Get the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Giuliano plays for Diego at Atleti, and while we're sure he doesn't call him 'Papa' in the dressing room, that's exactly what he is.Diego has three footballing sons and Giuliano is the youngest. Giovanni, 31, plays for Napoli and previously starred for Fiorentina and Cagliari as well as River Plate, where he got his start. Gianluca is 27 and retired last year.The youngest of the three footballing brothers is the only one not to be registered with River Plate at the senior level, coming through the youth ranks with Atletico after leaving the Buenos Aires giants.Giuliano has played 65 times for Atletico Madrid in La Liga, every one of them under the long-standing head coach who played a part in bringing him into the world.As Argentina kick off against England in Georgia, their fans will be hoping for just as big an impact from Junior as they got from his father 28 years ago.England will have other ideas.TOPICSEnglandArgentinaWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Chris NeeChris is a Warwickshire-based freelance football writer specialising in West Midlands football, the Premier League, the EFL and the J.League. He is the author of the High Protein Beef Paste football newsletter and owner of Aston Villa Review. He supports Coventry Sphinx.
