Jude Bellingham appeared to call out Jordan Pickford after Argentina's equaliser in England's World Cup semi-final defeat. Cameras caught Bellingham angrily exclaiming "it's the middle of the goal" after Enzo Fernandez scored from distance, despite Pickford's full-length dive. Bellingham was watching replays on the stadium screens in Atlanta, as he was the only player attempting to close down Fernandez and did not have a clear view at the time.
Gary Neville's Criticism of Pickford
Gary Neville also immediately criticised the Everton goalkeeper. Speaking on the Stick to Football World Cup Watch Party, Neville said: "Not gone in the corner, that, he's got to save that. Got to save it. He's past it." Neville also called Pickford out for failing to catch a shot earlier in the match, stating: "Don't let him shoot from there. Got to catch that. It's straight at him. Honestly, it's going over as well."
Roy Keane's Perspective
Roy Keane, however, gave credit to Fernandez. He said: "What a strike, what a strike that is. 'Keeper gets nowhere near it, look at the 'keeper, he's nowhere near it. It's the power." Keane also found the winning goal by Lautaro Martinez predictable, saying: "I said he was going to score, didn't I say he was going to score? Martinez was going to score with the header, didn't I say? It's all down the right-hand side [to Messi]. What a game. I said Martinez would score. What an option he is off the bench." He added: "Give credit where it's due - it's his [Messi's] weaker foot."
Neville's Broader Criticism
Neville also criticised England's overall performance before the goal, saying: "We have stopped playing, we've sat back. We're sleeping, we're sleeping." Keane predicted the correct scoreline, with Ian Wright acknowledging: "You had 2-1 Argentina..." Smirking, Keane asked rhetorically: "Who had 2-1 Argentina? Me?"
