Bellingham admits 'gutting' feeling as Argentina's late comeback ends England's World Cup dream

Jude Bellingham has broken his silence after England’s World Cup 2026 semi-final exit, describing the 2-1 defeat to Argentina as “gutting” and admitting he wished he could have done more to end the nation’s 59-year wait for a second world title.

“I wish I could give more, one more win or two more wins,” Bellingham told the BBC following the loss. The Real Madrid midfielder said he had wanted to be part of the England squad that “finally did it” — a reference to the country’s only World Cup triumph, back in 1966.

England had been in a strong position for much of the contest, with Anthony Gordon giving them the lead and the Three Lions controlling large spells of the match. Argentina, however, mounted a late comeback to overturn the deficit and secure their place in the final, leaving England to reflect on another near-miss on the biggest stage.

Bellingham’s comments capture the broader sense of deflation in the England camp after a tournament in which they had shown enough quality to believe a historic run was possible. The 21-year-old has been one of England’s most influential players in recent major tournaments, and his words underline how deeply the squad felt the opportunity that slipped away.

Argentina’s resilience in the closing stages proved the difference, as they overturned Gordon’s opener to eliminate England and advance to the final, where they will bid for further glory.