Argentina begin their quest to win a record-extending seventh Under-20 World Cup when it plays England on the opening day today, and Lions boss Paul Simpson hopes to end a terrible run of defeats.

The Argentinians haven’t won the championship, or even reached the semi-finals, since 2007 — a team led by Sergio Aguero and Angel di Maria — and they face an England side which is on a run of 17 consecutive winless matches at the World Cup. England’s last win was 20 years ago.

To Simpson, the poor record stems from clubs refusing to release their stars of the future.