Gary Lineker has been criticised for his comments on the Falkland Islands ahead of a potential clash between Argentina and England at the World Cup. The England National Team could face the 2022 World Cup Winners should they beat Norway tonight (July 10). In commentary building up to the match, Lineker made reference to the Falkland Islands and prompted outcry online.

Speaking about the rivalry between the countries on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: "England could face Argentina in a semi-final, we're getting ahead of ourselves a fraction, but so much history between our nations isn't there? It's not that long ago our two countries were at war, with the Falklands or Malvinas, even before that?"

His reference to the Falkland Islands as Malvinas, a Spanish name used by Argentina for the landmasses, has sparked criticism from members of the public responding to a GBNews post. One user wrote: "'Or Malvinas' – give it a rest Gary." Another commented: "What do you mean 'or Malvinas', Gary?"

One commenter defended Lineker's use of Malvinas to describe the Falklands, writing: "He speaks Spanish so he is correct to use either Falklands or Malvinas."

Argentinian players were seen singing a song referencing the Falkland Irelands just minutes after their win against Egypt in the Round of 16 earlier this week. Victory against the Mo Salah-featuring side landed Argentina in the quarter-finals, where they will play Switzerland.

Should the hotly tipped team make it through to the semi-finals, they will face England, should the Harry Kane captained team beat Norway, on July 15.

One of the popular chants sung by Argentine fans makes reference to the islands, which are referred to as Las Malvinas by those in South American nation. One of the lines reads: "I am Argentine from cradle to grave, for the Malvinas, for Diego, for Leo's final chapter."

The chant originally took off during Argentina’s 2022 run at the World Cup and has been brought back for their 2026 campaign. Should the two teams meet in the quarter-final next week, the chant is likely to be sung by the Argentine players.

England and Argentina were at odds for 10 weeks during 1982 after Argentine forces invaded the Falklands - a remote self-governing British overseas territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. To this day, the territory is still disputed, and the issue remains a politically sensitive topic.