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Watch: Jude Bellingham appears to blame England teammate for Argentina goal

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By:Mark Brus
16 July 2026 at 02:37

Jude Bellingham seemed to blame England teammate Jordan Pickford for the Enzo Fernandez goal for Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.

Chelsea midfielder Fernandez fired in a superb long-range strike for Argentina to make it 1-1, but it seems Bellingham feels the shot was actually quite central.

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Watch below as some fans seem to have been able to lip-read Bellingham’s reaction to the goal, with the Real Madrid ace complaining that it was in the middle of the goal…

Bellingham moaning about Pickford’s little arms. ‘It’s the middle of the goal’ ?? pic.twitter.com/eMqWz2FKg7

— Paul (@pclfc8) July 15, 2026

Make your own minds up, but that perhaps seems a bit harsh on England goalkeeper Pickford, who mostly had a really good game and another strong tournament overall.

Bellingham has been superb for England at this World Cup, but it’s moments like this that perhaps rub some fans up the wrong way, as he can be a little petulant when things aren’t going for him.

Who’s to blame for England’s World Cup exit?

England will likely need to do some soul-searching after this World Cup semi-final loss, as they were a goal up with just a few minutes left, but perhaps handed momentum back to Argentina by being overly defensive and cautious.

Perhaps Pickford could have done better too, but overall it seemed more like the wrong tactical approach from Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel.

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Still, this was a good tournament for England and there’ll perhaps be some optimism about what they can build for the future, even if it feels painful now to have missed out on a place in the final.

England still haven’t won the World Cup since all the way back in 1966, and to many this felt like the best opportunity to finally do it again.

Argentina are a fantastic team, however, and are now looking to retain the trophy in what should be a mouth-watering encounter against Spain this Sunday.

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Video: Enzo Fernandez & Lautaro Martinez score quickfire double to break England hearts

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By:Mark Brus
16 July 2026 at 00:58

Enzo Fernandez scored a stunning goal to level things up for Argentina against England in tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash.

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The Chelsea midfielder scored an absolutely sublime long-range effort after a short corner by Argentina, with Lionel Messi setting him up to hit it from outside the box.

Watch below as Fernandez finally beat Jordan Pickford, who had been superb for England to keep out Alexis Mac Allister on numerous occasions…

"Enzo Fernandez has simply been setting his sights!" ?

A rocket of a strike from the midfielder draws Argentina level. pic.twitter.com/f5kUPkaP0a

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

We all know Fernandez has that in his locker, with the 25-year-old often scoring some real beauties for Chelsea.

Now he’s delivered on the big stage for his country as they look to be heading for a second consecutive World Cup final appearance.

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Argentina produce stunning comeback against England

Lautaro Martinez has just scored a second for the South American giants, who now lead 2-1 with just a few minutes of stoppage time remaining.

Watch below as Messi was again the creator with a lovely cross to set up Martinez for the header…

Argentina are ahead! ?

A relentless spell of pressure sees Alexis Mac Allister hit the post before ANOTHER Lionel Messi assist sets up Lautaro Martinez to make it 2-1. pic.twitter.com/kVoNouFgKZ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

Having won the World Cup in 2022, it looks like Argentina are heading back to the final as they look to retain their trophy, with Spain waiting for them this time.

For England, unless something dramatic happens in the next few moments, it’s more heartache at a World Cup, with 60 years of hurt set to continue for even longer.

The post Video: Enzo Fernandez & Lautaro Martinez score quickfire double to break England hearts appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Video: Anthony Gordon puts England 1-0 up against Argentina in World Cup semi-final

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By:Mark Brus
16 July 2026 at 00:30

England have taken the lead against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final thanks to a goal from Anthony Gordon!

The former Newcastle United winger, who recently sealed a transfer to Barcelona, has his first goal of this summer’s World Cup, and he’s picked a hell of a moment to get it.

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Watch below as Gordon tapped in from close range after great play down England’s right-hand side from Declan Rice and Morgan Rogers…

ENGLAND HAVE THE OPENER! ?

Anthony Gordon puts the Three Lions ahead in the World Cup semi-final! pic.twitter.com/5fBlRcf1oI

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

Gordon has often been quite prolific from out wide, so it’s no surprise to see him making that run from the left into the penalty area and finding the back of the net.

Still, he can’t have scored many bigger goals than this one, with England now closing in on a place in their first World Cup final in 60 years!

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Thomas Tuchel’s gamble on Morgan Rogers pays off

It was superb play by Morgan Rogers on the right flank, not normally his best position, to set Gordon up for the simple finish.

Rogers has often played out on the left or in a central attacking midfield role for Aston Villa and England, but he has had to adjust to a new position tonight.

Still, Thomas Tuchel’s gamble looks to have paid off, with Rogers performing well so far and doing brilliantly with his cross to pick out Gordon.

The right-hand side has been an issue for England so far at this tournament, with Bukayo Saka’s fitness issues meaning that Noni Madueke has played a lot of games.

While Madueke has his qualities, he hasn’t had enough of an impact so far, which led to Tuchel trying Rogers on the right this evening, and it looks like a tactical masterstroke.

Can England hold on or even add a second? Give us your thoughts in the comments!

The post Video: Anthony Gordon puts England 1-0 up against Argentina in World Cup semi-final appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Wayne Rooney singles out England star who can “destroy” key Argentina players tonight

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By:Mark Brus
15 July 2026 at 18:30

England legend Wayne Rooney has backed Harry Kane to “destroy” Argentina’s centre-backs if he’s really on his game in tonight’s World Cup semi-final.

Spain beat France last night to book their place in the final, and now fans will be preparing to follow England vs Argentina in the second semi-final, with the Three Lions chasing a first appearance in a World Cup final since their famous victory of 1966.

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Speaking ahead of the big game, former England forward Rooney is backing Kane as the big difference-maker, as he could be too much for Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero if he plays at his best.

Wayne Rooney makes big Harry Kane claim

Watch below as Rooney explains how Kane could cause that duo a lot of trouble with his intelligent movement…

"If Harry Kane is on it, he'll destroy these two centre-backs" ??????? ?? pic.twitter.com/9vqdSouHMJ

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 15, 2026

“If Harry Kane is on it, they won’t be able to deal with Harry Kane,” Rooney said. “Because Harry’s a nightmare for that type of defender.”

He added: “If Harry’s just dragging them into positions where they feel a bit exposed, which they will do … it’s just about the timing of the pass and the timing of the run in behind them.

“I think if Harry is on it he will absolutely destroy those two centre-backs.”

Is this going to turn into Lionel Messi vs Harry Kane?

Football is complex and unpredictable, so to say any game is a battle between any two individuals is far too simplistic.

However, we also know that there are certain talents who are a level above the rest, and that entire game plans can revolve around.

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Kane and Lionel Messi fall into that category, as, arguably, does Jude Bellingham after the form he’s shown at this World Cup so far.

If Rooney is right and Kane can unsettle that Argentina defence, then that could be the game plan that brings England victory.

However, as Thomas Tuchel has alluded to, there also needs to be a plan for Messi, who has been in superb form at this tournament even at the age of 39.

Who do you see having the bigger influence tonight? Give us your thoughts and pre-match predictions in the comments!

The post Wayne Rooney singles out England star who can “destroy” key Argentina players tonight appeared first on CaughtOffside.

“I’m not a fan of…” – Thomas Tuchel gives interesting response to Lionel Messi question

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By:Mark Brus
15 July 2026 at 17:58

England manager Thomas Tuchel has dodged a question about whether he thinks Lionel Messi is the greatest player of all time.

The German tactician is preparing to lead the Three Lions against Argentina in tonight’s World Cup semi-final clash, and stopping Messi will probably be the tactic he most needs to get right.

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Messi has never played against England before, so it will be interesting to see what he can do, but he goes into this game in superb form as he’s joint-top of the Golden Boot charts at the World Cup so far.

See below as Tuchel discusses Messi’s quality, but falls short of declaring him the best player ever, as he admits he’s not a fan of lists like that…

‘We’re NOT here to build him a throne’ ?

Thomas Tuchel on the challenge Lionel Messi and Argentina pose for England ?????????#ITVFootball | @England | @gabrielclarke05 pic.twitter.com/L5c9xfnERb

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 15, 2026

Tuchel also sent a clear message about not worshipping Messi too much, which seems like the right kind of mentality for England if they are to avoid being overawed by the 39-year-old.

How can England stop Lionel Messi?

Tuchel also spoke in another video clip about how he’s tempted to try an old-school man-marking system to keep Messi quiet.

See below as the England manager admitted to that kind of plan crossing his mind, though he obviously wouldn’t reveal one way or another if he’d definitely choose that particular option, as it might not be something that works on Messi anyway…

How Thomas Tuchel and England are planning on stopping Lionel Messi… ?? pic.twitter.com/iaF3mSpYUe

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 15, 2026

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Ultimately, it might just be best not to focus too much on Messi, as throughout his career he’s got the better of pretty much every top defence you can think of.

Player Goals Assists
Kylian Mbappe 8 3
Lionel Messi 8 1
Erling Haaland 7 0
Harry Kane 6 1
Jude Bellingham 6 1

It might work best for England if they just focus on their own game tonight, and do their best to keep the ball, create chances, and limit what Messi can do by simply being the better team.

That’s easier said than done, of course, but if they retreat and make everything about stopping Messi, chances are he’ll find at least one moment of immense quality to undo all that work anyway.

The post “I’m not a fan of…” – Thomas Tuchel gives interesting response to Lionel Messi question appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Video: Pedro Porro’s superb finish puts Spain 2-0 up vs France but PL defender completely falls asleep

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By:Mark Brus
15 July 2026 at 00:33

Tottenham full-back Pedro Porro has scored for Spain to put them 2-0 up against France in tonight’s World Cup 2026 semi-final clash.

It was a lovely move and a superb finish by Porro, who fired past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan with all the quality and confidence of a centre-forward.

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However, watch the video clip below and you’ll see that Aston Villa left-back Lucas Digne completely fell asleep to allow acres of space for Porro on that side…

INCREDIBLE ?

Spain one-two their way through the France defense and Pedro Porro doubles his country's lead… pic.twitter.com/DFGCLMzFUC

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 14, 2026

Porro made no mistake after being played in so well, but Digne made it that much easier for him by completely failing to spot or track his run.

Spain heading for impressive win over France

Spain will now be the big favourites to win this game, as it’s hard to see even this France team scoring three late goals at this stage.

Les Bleus have long looked like the favourites for this year’s World Cup, but it looks like their tournament may now be coming to an end.

In fairness, Spain have also looked like one of the big favourites to go all the way in this competition, having won Euro 2024 two years ago.

Spain last won this trophy back in 2010, which is also the only time they’ve ever won it in their history, but they’ll perhaps be the clear frontrunners now if they see this game through.

Knocking out this France team is some statement, with the Spain defence doing well to keep elite attacking talents like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise quiet.

In fairness, one big issue for France was the William Saliba injury in the first half, with the Arsenal defender one of the very best in the world in his position, and one of his country’s most important players.

The post Video: Pedro Porro’s superb finish puts Spain 2-0 up vs France but PL defender completely falls asleep appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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