The confusion deepened when Owen sat down for a candid retrospective covered by regional outlet Cheshire Live. Rather than playing the safe diplomat typical of modern football punditry, Owen took playful yet sharp jabs at David Beckham. He directly recalled England's ill-fated 1998 World Cup round-of-16 clash against Argentina in Saint-Étienne, an afternoon that defined both men's international trajectories.
That fixture in France produced two contrasting narratives. Owen scored one of the most breathtaking solo goals in tournament history, slicing through the Argentine defense at just 18 years old. Minutes later, Beckham received a straight red card for lashing out at Diego Simeone. England exited on penalties, and Beckham returned home to national vilification. Owen's August 2026 remarks revisited that lingering resentment, noting how Beckham's dismissal left the squad shorthanded and cast a shadow over what should have been Owen's crowning international arrival. The remarks immediately sparked heated debate across podcasts and fan forums.
