Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland reminded fans that football friendships can come first, with a touching moment before England's World Cup quarter-final win over Norway winning hearts online.
Cheeky Greeting in the Tunnel
Before kick-off at Miami Stadium, Bellingham was spotted greeting his former Borussia Dortmund teammate in the tunnel. The Real Madrid star wished Haaland luck before giving him a cheeky pat on the backside, a hug and a smile. The pair spent two seasons together at Dortmund between 2020 and 2022 and have remained close friends despite going their separate ways, with Haaland joining Manchester City and Bellingham moving to Real Madrid.
Fans React
The exchange quickly won over football fans on social media. One fan said: "I love their relationship." Another added: "They have a brilliant friendship - it's great to see!" A third wrote: "Good bit of banter." One more commented: "Good friendship and good sportsmanship... that's what it's all about." Another user added: "Even though he lost, he was happy for his friend at the end."
England's Win and Semi-Final Opponent
England booked their place in the semi-finals after beating Norway, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice as the match went into extra time. The Three Lions will now face Argentina in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 15, with kick-off at 8pm BST. Argentina secured their spot after seeing off Switzerland courtesy of Julian Alvarez's wonderstrike in extra-time.
Historic Rivalry Renewed
The mouthwatering encounter rekindles one of football's greatest rivalries, with their last competitive meeting coming in 2002 when David Beckham scored the winner from the penalty spot. That came four years after Beckham's infamous sending off in Saint Etienne in 1998, when Argentina won on penalties to dump Glenn Hoddle's England out of the tournament. Both teams have struggled for top form at this World Cup, with Thomas Tuchel calling out England's performance after the Norway win, while Argentina needed extra-time to overcome Cape Verde and mounted a monumental comeback against Egypt.
The winner will face either Spain or France in the final, with the possibility of a repeat of the Qatar showpiece between France and Argentina four years ago.
