Fresh footage of Jude Bellingham appearing to nurse his left shoulder has become a major talking point ahead of England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with reports in South America claiming the issue is being closely monitored.
Bellingham inspired Thomas Tuchel's side to a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway with another influential display as England booked their place in the last four. However, attention has quickly shifted to the Real Madrid midfielder's fitness after television cameras repeatedly captured him holding the top of his left arm and rubbing his shoulder during the match.
Argentine Media Reacts
The Argentine media have gone into overdrive over the footage, which continued after the final whistle as Bellingham was seen touching the same area while speaking to broadcasters. He also appeared to stretch the shoulder while collecting his Player of the Match award, prompting fresh speculation ahead of Wednesday's showdown.
TyC Sports claims England's medical staff are monitoring the shoulder as preparations continue for the semi-final, while fellow Argentine outlet Olé reports the discomfort followed a collision with a Norway player. The first signs came during one of the cooling breaks when Bellingham was seen speaking with England's medical staff while rubbing his left shoulder as Tuchel delivered instructions from the touchline.
Spanish newspaper Sport has also reported that the midfielder experienced discomfort after the victory. However, there has been no suggestion from the Football Association or England camp that Bellingham has suffered a fresh injury or is a doubt for the clash with the reigning world champions.
History of Shoulder Problems
The concern is understandable given Bellingham's history with the same shoulder. The England international dislocated his left shoulder during his first season at Real Madrid after an awkward fall against Rayo Vallecano. Rather than undergo immediate surgery, he chose to continue playing through the pain, regularly wearing a protective shoulder brace for both club and country during a packed schedule.
It was only after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup that Bellingham underwent surgery to stabilise the joint, keeping him sidelined for around two and a half months before returning to action. During his rehabilitation, he admitted he had grown frustrated with playing through pain and wearing the brace. Despite still experiencing stiffness following the operation, Bellingham has previously insisted the issue does not affect him during matches.
Social Media Posts Add to Speculation
Further intrigue followed England's victory when the midfielder shared several images from his recovery routine on social media. One photograph showed Bellingham wearing an oxygen mask as part of his post-match recovery, while another, taken at England's training camp pool, revealed the scar on his left shoulder from last year's operation. Neither image confirmed a new injury, but both added to speculation surrounding the shoulder that appeared to trouble him against Norway.
At this stage there is no official indication that Bellingham will miss England's World Cup semi-final. His condition is expected to be monitored over the coming days, but Tuchel will be hoping the discomfort was no more than the aftermath of a heavy challenge.
Kane Accuses Broadcasters of Division Tactics
Meanwhile, Harry Kane has accused ITV and other broadcasters of attempting to create "division" within the England camp after Bellingham was quizzed about Tuchel's post-match criticism following the Three Lions' World Cup quarter-final victory. England booked their place in the semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in the Miami heat on Saturday, with Bellingham scoring both goals to set up a showdown with Argentina.
After the final whistle, Bellingham was asked by ITV reporter Gabriel Clarke, along with other broadcasters, about comments made by England boss Tuchel, who described his side as "lucky" to progress despite reaching the last four. Captain Kane believes the timing of those questions was unfair and suggested they were designed to stir up controversy.
Speaking to the BBC, Kane said: "When you are playing a game like that and to be asked a question five minutes after the final whistle, and he [Bellingham] didn't really know what the manager has said, what do you want Jude to say? It is easy to try and create this division – it seems like an English mentality, an English thing to do at these major tournaments."
Kane's comments came after suggestions that Tuchel's assessment of England's performance could lead to tension within the squad. However, the Bayern Munich striker dismissed any suggestion of a rift, insisting the players remain united as they prepare for their World Cup semi-final against Argentina. England are now one win away from reaching the World Cup final, with Tuchel's side continuing their bid for a first triumph in the competition since 1966.
