Jude Bellingham's controversial opening goal against Norway was right to stand after all – with new spidercam footage from the World Cup stadium providing definitive proof. The revelation comes as England prepare for a semi-final clash with Argentina, but the build-up has been overshadowed by a very different kind of drama.
Thomas Tuchel's critical remarks after England's dramatic win have clearly irked the Real Madrid star, with Bellingham visibly annoyed. Captain Harry Kane has stepped in to play peacemaker, insisting the manager is "trying to drag" the best out of his players. The row has added an extra edge to an already tense week for the Three Lions.
“New spidercam footage proves Bellingham's goal was correct; Kane urges Tuchel to be supportive; FIFA faces backlash over Balogun ban deferral.”
Meanwhile, FIFA is facing a massive backlash over its decision to defer Folarin Balogun's one-game ban – a move that followed a personal request from US President Donald Trump. The American striker was sent off in the round of 16 against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was due to sit out the quarter-final against Belgium. But FIFA's disciplinary committee chairman acted alone, deferring the suspension without consulting the other 17 members. UEFA has accused world football's governing body of "crossing a red line" in a strongly-worded statement.
England's focus now shifts to Wednesday's semi-final against Argentina. The loser will contest the third-place play-off on Saturday; the winner goes to Sunday's final. France and Spain meet in the first semi-final on Tuesday.
Kane's intervention may defuse the tension within the England camp, but the fallout from the Balogun decision is far from over – and the Bellingham goal controversy has only added to the noise.