Bellingham clutches shoulder in World Cup quarter-final as England face Argentina next

Jude Bellingham raised fresh fitness concerns during England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, repeatedly grimacing and clutching his left shoulder after a robust challenge — with the Real Madrid midfielder again seen touching the joint immediately after the final whistle.

England’s medical staff monitored the 23-year-old closely from the dugout throughout the match. During a scheduled hydration break at the 30-minute mark, while head coach Thomas Tuchel delivered tactical instructions, Bellingham was observed in direct conversation with the team physio, pointing specifically to the shoulder.

The concern is not new. Bellingham underwent corrective surgery on the joint and has previously spoken candidly about the toll the problem took on his game before the operation. “The shoulder injury had a lot of effect on the rest of my body. I didn’t have much pain, but playing knowing that if I fall it could come out again meant I couldn’t be at my best level,” he said. “Last year made me understand that I couldn’t take winning again for granted. Now I’m better physically and I can return to being at my level.”

His own admission that the fear of re-injury had prevented him from performing at his world-class best underlines why the latest footage will alarm England supporters. Bellingham has scored nine of his 12 international goals in major tournaments, making him central to Tuchel’s plans at this World Cup.

England’s medical staff now face a race against time before the side travel to Atlanta for a semi-final against Lionel Messi and Argentina. The 39-year-old Messi’s side secured their own passage through the last eight, setting up one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.