England's World Cup dream is over after Thomas Tuchel's terrible second half substitutions in a crushing 2-1 semi-final defeat to bitter rivals Argentina. Three Lions fans were left raging by the German manager's shocking tactics as an increasingly defensive and withdrawn England lost a 1-0 lead provided by Anthony Gordon's goal in the second half when Jordan Pickford conceded an Enzo Fernandez equaliser, before Lautaro Martinez scored a stoppage time winner for Argentina.
Jude Bellingham Slap and Emotional Scenes
Heated post-match scenes witnessed Jude Bellingham slap Valentin Barco. The England midfielder seemingly sparked the altercation, though Barco had previously caused outrage when he abandoned the substitutes' bench to celebrate in front of his rivals rather than his team-mates during the game. It's not clear whether Barco said anything to anger the Real Madrid midfielder, who speaks Spanish. TV pictures showed Bellingham appeared to slap the Argentina player. Barco had been arm-in-arm with Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez when Bellingham made his way over to the trio and struck him in the back of the head. The full-back spun around and squared up to Bellingham. The midfielder, England's standout performer throughout the tournament, was later seen in the stands alongside his family after the final whistle. The 23-year-old seemed to be weeping as he pressed his head against his father's shoulder, reports the Mirror.
Thomas Tuchel Slammed but May Stay
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 of the squad. And fellow BBC pundit Wayne Rooney claimed Tuchel "gave up". The former England captain argued the German's substitutions caused the team to lose confidence. Speaking after full-time, Rooney said: "We've crumbled... it started from the manager." He added: "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." "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. You want to be on the front foot when the pressure is on Argentina to get back in the game." Nevertheless, the former Chelsea manager still enjoys the FA's support and remains under contract until after Euro 2028. Tuchel also pledged his commitment to the position: "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 Controversy
Argentina are facing sanctions for displaying a banner that declared "The Malvinas are Argentine" following their World Cup semi-final victory over England. Manchester United's Lisandro Martínez was seen holding the banner, as well as former Spurs player Giovanni Lo Celso. The banner was echoing the words of Argentinian President Javier Milei, who wrote in a post earlier this year that the islands "were, are and will always be Argentine." Argentina disputes British sovereignty over the Falklands islands and refers to them as Las Malvinas. Political tensions over the territory boiled over into conflict in 1982. The war lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine surrender. "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," IFAB's rulebook states. "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 for Stamp
England fans were furious that Lionel Messi escaped punishment during the encounter. The Argentina legend appeared to tread on Djed Spence in the lead-up to Argentina's second goal, igniting fury after many were angered that VAR wasn't utilised. Fans online complained saying that referees had intervened in Argentina's favour for similar fouls earlier in the tournament including in their controversial win over Egypt. One fan wrote: "Messi's stamp on Spence before Lautaro's goal, why does VAR only work when the goal is against Argentina?"
Jordan Pickford's Obscene Gesture and Water Bottle Incident
Jordan Pickford made an obscene gesture towards fans after England's opening strike. The Everton goalkeeper was seen grabbing his crotch and furiously celebrating in front of away supporters. But Argentina would argue his comeuppance arrived when Cristian Romero celebrated directly in front of him following Argentina's decisive winning goal. Argentina's players, including Messi, were also seen laughing after spotting Pickford's water bottle. It contained the goalkeeper's tactics for a potential penalty shootout.
