England's World Cup dream ended in a 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina, with the aftermath dominated by claims that Jude Bellingham confronted goalkeeper Jordan Pickford over the Argentina equaliser, reportedly telling him "it's the middle of the goal" in frustration at how the shot went in. The defeat has triggered wider fallout, including criticism of manager Thomas Tuchel's substitutions and tactics, with Bellingham left in tears and consoled by his parents and girlfriend Ashlyn Castro afterwards.

The report also notes that Lionel Messi's Argentina side had apparently studied a "cheat sheet" on Bellingham's penalty-taking habits, while separate incidents saw Bellingham reportedly slap an Argentina player after the final whistle amid a tense, ill-tempered finish. England had been five minutes from a place in the final before Argentina's late intervention, and pundits including Gary Neville and Roy Keane have since questioned Tuchel's team selection and in-game decisions. Spain are now favourites for the final, with holders Argentina installed as 6/5 outsiders.