Don't mention the war

By SHAUN CUSTIS

DAVID BECKHAM and his World Cup troops have been told: Don't mention the war.

With England's showdown against Argentina just 48 hours away, the debate over the Falklands conflict is back on the agenda.

The Argies still claim the islands they call Las Malvinas belong to them. And FA bosses have warned skipper Becks and Co are likely to be questioned about the disputed territory.

A Soho Square source said: "We will make sure the players and the manager are made well aware of the potential pitfalls before they do any interviews."

Most of the England squad were only kids when the conflict took place 20 years ago — but one wrong answer could spark an international incident.

Of particular concern is an Argentinian TV crew which produces a spoof comedy show around football.

They have already resorted to a few dirty tricks at England's Awaji Island training camp.

First, they opened up an umbrella at one of last week's Press conferences.

Then they tried to present Sol Campbell with a toy black cat.

Each stunt was intended to bring bad luck on England.

The FA intercepted the cat but are taking no chances before the crunch Group F clash in Sapporo on Friday.

Becks and Michael Owen are due to appear before the media today.

It would be a massive coup for the Argies to tie one of those two in knots over such a sensitive subject.