Argentina’s media have turned the spotlight onto Jude Bellingham ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final, after new footage appeared to show the midfielder clutching his left shoulder and grimacing in pain following the dramatic win over Norway.
Jude Bellingham could be seen in footage from the tunnel holding his shoulder and grimacing in pain
Argentinian journalists are convinced Bellingham is injured after the post-match grimacing – and having spotted a scar on his left shoulder
The England midfielder also appeared to grip his shoulder while speaking to Thomas Tuchel during a hydration break against Norway
The clip, filmed in the mixed zone at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, has sparked fresh speculation in Buenos Aires that England’s most influential player may be carrying an injury before Wednesday night’s blockbuster clash with Lionel Messi and Argentina in Atlanta. Bellingham, who scored twice against Norway to send England into the last four, was also seen appearing to tend to the same shoulder while speaking with Thomas Tuchel during a hydration break.
Argentinian outlet TyC Sports suggested the Real Madrid star could not hide his discomfort, and the timing could hardly be more sensitive. England are preparing for one of the most charged semi-finals in recent World Cup memory, and Bellingham has become central to their hopes of reaching a first final in 60 years.
TYC Sports’ report suggested Bellingham ‘could not hide his discomfort’ post-match
Bellingham starred on Saturday in Miami as England beat Norway 2-1 to seal their place in Wednesday night’s semi-final
There is, however, important context. Bellingham has a long history of shoulder trouble. He dislocated his left shoulder while playing for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano in March 2025 and later underwent surgery to repair the problem. A visible scar remains on his shoulder, which was also noticeable in images he shared from England’s base after the quarter-final.
Despite the concern, there is no indication that Bellingham is expected to miss the Argentina match. The 23-year-old is widely expected to start at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where England will try to stop Messi and the defending champions from reaching another World Cup final.
Bellingham has been one of the players of the tournament. He has scored six goals in six matches and has repeatedly delivered when England have looked under pressure. His brace against Norway may prove to be remembered as one of the defining individual performances of this World Cup.
His first goal came just before half-time, when he latched onto Anthony Gordon’s pass, drove into the penalty area and finished powerfully beyond Orjan Nyland. His second arrived in extra time, when he reacted quickest after Morgan Rogers’ long-range effort was spilled by the Norway goalkeeper.
That victory, though, came with controversy and tension. England players celebrated wildly with supporters after the final whistle, singing Wonderwall in Miami, but Tuchel was far from satisfied. The manager described England as lucky and said he was unhappy with their performance, despite their place in the semi-finals.
Bellingham appeared to push back against that view. Asked about Tuchel’s comments, he initially tried to avoid the topic, then suggested the manager may not fully understand what it is like to play in brutal heat against Norway’s attacking threats, including Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth.
The exchange created another layer of drama around England’s campaign, but Tuchel later dismissed any suggestion of a rift. He insisted there was no disconnect with his players and said he remained deeply proud of their spirit, effort and refusal to lose.
Now the focus has shifted again. Argentina will study every detail, and the sight of Bellingham holding his shoulder has inevitably become a talking point. Whether it is a genuine concern or simply the after-effect of a gruelling 120-minute battle, England cannot afford for their biggest tournament star to be anything less than ready.
Against Messi and Argentina, every physical weakness will be tested. For England, the hope is simple: Bellingham’s shoulder is not a problem, his confidence remains intact, and his extraordinary World Cup run still has another chapter to come.
