England are set to play two-times World Cup winners Argentina in a friendly next year which could pave the way for Lionel Messi and his team-mates to mark the 150th anniversary of the Football Association at Wembley in 2013.
Although the FA are not making any comment, Press Association Sport understands talks have taken place about a friendly in Europe at some stage next year that would constitute a 'home' game for Argentina.
Having already had visits to the new Wembley by Brazil, who opened the stadium, and Germany, Argentina would be the obvious choice for the 2013 celebrations given their box office appeal and the history of the matches between the two sides - including the Diego Maradona 'Hand of God' goal when Argentina knocked England out of the 1986 World Cup in the quarter-finals.
A meeting next year would be the first time England have played Argentina since a meeting in Geneva in November 2005 which England won 3-2 thanks to a couple of goals from Michael Owen.
With Messi, Carlos Tevez and Atletico Madrid sharpshooter Sergio Aguero among Argentina's ranks, there would be plenty of star names around to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the English game's custodians.
England do have friendly dates before that, although the FA have yet to officially confirm a meeting with France at Wembley on November 17.
In addition, Fabio Capello's men are due to be in action immediately after the World Cup but opposition for the first friendly of the new season in August is yet to be confirmed.
England begin their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign on September 3 against Bulgaria at Wembley, the first Friday night fixture for a competitive international.
Source: PA
