Jude Bellingham’s goal against Norway is at the centre of a storm after replays suggested the ball struck a spidercam in the build-up – and now England’s World Cup semi-final with Argentina is overshadowed by injury concerns over Lionel Messi.
The Argentina captain received treatment during a hydration break in his side’s extra-time win over Switzerland, with the Evening Standard reporting he had suffered a knock. Meanwhile, Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez faces calls for suspension after jumping into the crowd while on a yellow card following his goal in the 3-1 victory.
“England face Argentina in World Cup semi-final amid Bellingham goal controversy and Lionel Messi injury scare.”
England reached the last four after Bellingham’s brace secured a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway, the second goal coming amid controversy. Norway erupted in fury, believing the ball had hit the overhead camera before Bellingham scored. The goal stood, and Thomas Tuchel admitted afterwards that England “got lucky”.
The semi-final will be the first meeting between the nations since November 2005, when Michael Owen struck twice in the final minutes to snatch a 3-2 friendly win in Geneva. That England side featured Wayne Rooney, David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
On the other side of the draw, France face Spain on Tuesday in a clash of the tournament’s two strongest sides. France beat Morocco 2-0 thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappe – now on eight for the World Cup – and Ousmane Dembele, while Michael Olise leads the assists with five. Spain needed a late Mikel Merino winner to edge past Belgium and have not lost in 36 matches, a national record. Lamine Yamal, who turns 19 on the eve of the tie, has scored only once.
This is the first time the World Cup semi-finals have featured the four top-ranked teams, and the first time four previous winners have reached the last four since 1990. The winners will meet in the final on July 19.
England’s WAGs, including Kate Kane and Megan Pickford, have shared celebratory snaps and are bracing for the trip to Atlanta for the decisive clash. With Messi’s fitness uncertain and the Bellingham controversy unresolved, the stage is set for a blockbuster.