England's World Cup dream ended in a crushing 2-1 semi-final defeat to bitter rivals Argentina on Wednesday night. Three Lions fans were left furious by manager Thomas Tuchel's second-half substitutions, which saw an increasingly defensive England surrender a 1-0 lead. Anthony Gordon had given England the lead in the second half, but Jordan Pickford conceded an equalizer to Enzo Fernandez before Lautaro Martinez scored a stoppage-time winner for Argentina.
Bellingham Slap and Tears
Heated post-match scenes saw Jude Bellingham slap Argentina's Valentin Barco. The England midfielder seemingly sparked the altercation, though Barco had previously caused outrage by celebrating in front of England players rather than his teammates during the game. TV pictures showed Bellingham appeared to slap the Argentina player in the back of the head. Barco spun around and squared up to Bellingham. The midfielder, England's standout performer throughout the tournament, was later seen weeping in the stands with his family after the final whistle, pressing his head against his father's shoulder, according to the Mirror.
Tuchel Slammed for Tactics
Criticism has been aimed at Thomas Tuchel over England's cautious approach. BBC pundit Chris Sutton questioned whether the German is the correct choice to remain as manager. Fellow BBC pundit Wayne Rooney claimed Tuchel "gave up" and that his substitutions caused the team to lose confidence. Speaking after full-time, Rooney said: "We've crumbled... it started from the manager. Once we got the first goal, we didn't look to go for the second goal. For the players, and for me, Thomas Tuchel made the decision, and when you make the decision it is a gamble. The gamble he made was to go with five at the back, which allowed them to dictate the game. The decisions that Tuchel has made cost us tonight." Rooney added: "It's a panic, it's a real panic. You can't go a goal up and then surrender. Surrender the ball and surrender any opportunity of trying to get the second goal." Nevertheless, the former Chelsea manager still enjoys the FA's support and remains under contract until after Euro 2028. Tuchel pledged his commitment: "I have a contract until the home Euros and I'm looking forward to that even like now it is difficult to look that far ahead."
Argentina's Falklands Banner
Argentina are facing sanctions for displaying a banner that declared "The Malvinas are Argentine" following their victory. Manchester United's Lisandro Martínez was seen holding the banner, along with former Spurs player Giovanni Lo Celso. The banner echoed words of Argentinian President Javier Milei, who wrote earlier this year that the islands "were, are and will always be Argentine." Argentina disputes British sovereignty over the Falklands, which they call Las Malvinas. Political tensions over the territory led to a 74-day war in 1982 that ended with an Argentine surrender. IFAB's rulebook states: "Equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images. Players must not reveal undergarments that show political, religious, personal slogans, statements or images, or advertising other than the manufacturer's logo. For any offence the player and/or the team will be sanctioned by the competition organiser, national football association or by FIFA."
Messi Escapes Punishment
England fans were furious that Lionel Messi escaped punishment after appearing to tread on Djed Spence in the lead-up to Argentina's second goal. Many complained that VAR wasn't utilized, with one fan writing: "Messi's stamp on Spence before Lautaro's goal, why does VAR only work when the goal is against Argentina?"
Pickford's Obscene Gesture
Jordan Pickford made an obscene gesture towards fans after England's opening strike, grabbing his crotch and celebrating in front of away supporters. However, Argentina's players, including Messi, were seen laughing after spotting Pickford's water bottle, which contained his tactics for a potential penalty shootout.
