A lone Argentine supporter was rescued by Metropolitan Police officers in Piccadilly Circus last night after England fans swarmed him following the Three Lions' 2-1 World Cup defeat to Argentina. The man, wearing a Messi shirt, was flanked by officers who rushed him through screaming crowds to a police van. Fans shouted abuse, made hand gestures, and at least one object was thrown at him, according to footage shared on social media. The Argentina fan appeared stunned but raised his hands in the air once inside the van. There is no suggestion he did anything wrong.
Chaos after England's World Cup exit
England's World Cup run ended on July 15, 2026, when defending champions Argentina beat them 2-1. Tensions flared in central London, particularly at Piccadilly Circus, where large crowds of England fans gathered. Police and security guards separated hooligans, many of whom were filming the incident. Footage shows officers telling people to stay back as the Argentina fan was escorted to safety.
Reaction from England fans
At Wembley's Boxpark, England fans were left in tears. Twin brothers Luke and Vee Moore, 33, expressed disappointment. Vee said: 'We fumbled it. I'm feeling disappointed, this was a great chance to win the World Cup and this was a weak Argentina team. If we got out-classed, I'd be like, okay, cool. England did not play a better team today. We were too defensive after we went one nil up.' Luke added he was disappointed because he 'thought it was coming home.'
Argentina's manager taunts England
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni rubbed salt in the wounds, saying he and his players could tell England were 'doubting themselves.' Argentina will face Spain in the final on Sunday. Metro contacted the Metropolitan Police for comment but did not receive a response at the time of publication.
