Jude Bellingham appeared to slap Argentina defender Valentin Barco after England's 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to the defending champions, sparking ugly scenes in Atlanta. TV pictures showed the Real Madrid midfielder striking the Strasbourg full-back’s head as Argentina celebrated reaching their second successive final. Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers had to be separated from the melee, with no indication of what caused Bellingham’s anger.
England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon, but Thomas Tuchel’s side regressed, inviting pressure from Argentina. Two goals in seven minutes from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez turned the semi-final on its head, booking Argentina's place in Sunday's final against Spain. Tuchel rang the changes with a quarter of an hour remaining, opting to defend the slender lead, a decision that drew criticism from Wayne Rooney. “When you’re in a fight, you…” Rooney began, before reflecting that England invited pressure.
“Jude Bellingham slapped Argentina's Valentin Barco after England's 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat.”
Earlier, controversy surrounded Harry Kane as Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes attempted to get the England defender sent off. But BBC Sport co-commentator Alan Shearer admitted: “I think the best team won. You can’t complain about that… They deserve to be in the final on Sunday, as much as it hurts me to say.”
Argentina had needed extra-time to beat Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland en route to the semi-final, but their comeback against England was emphatic. After the final whistle, tears flowed from the Argentinians, while England’s players were left to rue a collapse that saw them exit the World Cup.
