Sir David Beckham, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, and a host of other famous faces have rallied behind England following their heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat. England’s hopes of ending a 60-year wait for World Cup glory were dashed as defending champions Argentina fought back to secure a 2-1 victory in Atlanta.
David Beckham's Emotional Tribute
Sir David, who attended the game, posted a photo of the team facing a crowd of England supporters. “Heartbreak for us all but memories that inspire and last forever… Thank you to our team, our fans & our country for what you have given us in this World Cup,” he captioned the Instagram post.
Match Details
Anthony Gordon gave the Three Lions the lead 10 minutes into the second half, raising hopes of a place in the final. But hopes were dashed when Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez struck in stoppage time to send Argentina to Sunday’s showpiece against Spain in New York.
Millie Bobby Brown and Other Celebrities React
Stranger Things actress Brown, who posted herself wearing Union Jack apparel in the lead up to the match, wrote on her Instagram stories: “So proud to be English and so proud of my team!!!!” Oasis singer Liam Gallagher, who said he wanted to see England bring the World Cup home, congratulated Argentina on their win. “Respect to the lads it’s nobody’s GOD given right to win the WC congratulations to Argentina best team won onwards n sideways,” he wrote in a post on X. The band’s hit song Wonderwall became an unofficial anthem for England during the tournament, with listening figures increasing by more than half after England’s quarter-final victory over Norway.
Ellie Goulding Switches Allegiance
Elsewhere, singer Ellie Goulding said she would back Spain after England’s defeat. “I don’t care what anyone says England played insanely well against some real dirty moves and I’m proud of them,” she said on her Instagram stories. She followed up with a selfie captioned: “I am now Spanish.”
Celebrity Presence at the Match
Plenty of famous British faces turned out to support the players in person. Sir David was spotted in the stands alongside wife, Lady Victoria Beckham, and their children, Romeo, Cruz and Harper, as well as Cruz’s partner, Jackie Apostel. One Direction star Louis Tomlinson, who set up a TV at Glastonbury for fans to watch England play against Slovakia in Euro 2024, was seen wearing an England jersey with girlfriend Zara McDermott. Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger was also spotted attending the match. Peaky Blinders star Joe Cole also posted a photo and video from inside the stadium to his Instagram Stories.
Prince William and Other Messages
In a social media post, the Prince of Wales thanked the England team for “an incredible tournament”. “Gutted,” William said. “England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you. Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament. The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all. The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high.” Presenter Roman Kemp posted a photo of himself wearing a Wayne Rooney jersey in an empty theatre with the caption “We go again next time…” Meanwhile, former England international Peter Crouch said in a post on X: “Gutted we are out but watching Argentina was an experience Messi is just a genius and a hard bastard as well like the rest of them. I’m proud of our lads and what they achieved at this World Cup.”
