Bellingham weeps on father's shoulder after England's World Cup semi-final exit to Argentina

Jude Bellingham broke down in tears on his father’s shoulder after England were eliminated from the World Cup at the semi-final stage, losing to Argentina in Atlanta. The 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, who finished the tournament as its top-scoring midfielder with six goals, was inconsolable at the final whistle as the Three Lions fell agonisingly short of a first World Cup final since 1966.

Bellingham was embraced by his father Mark and mother Denise in the stands, while his girlfriend Ashlyn Castro, 28, also offered comfort. His England teammate and close childhood friend Morgan Rogers — who has previously described Bellingham as “my little big bro” — was among those who sought him out to offer support.

The defeat was not without controversy. At full time, Bellingham was involved in an angry confrontation with Argentina substitute Valentín Barco, after Barco celebrated in front of the England players rather than joining his own teammates. Television footage showed Bellingham slapping Barco on the back of the head, triggering a melee between both squads. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, commentating on BBC Radio 5 Live, called Barco’s conduct “probably the worst example of sportsmanship we’ve seen at this World Cup”.

England had led 1-0 as late as the 85th minute against Lionel Messi’s world champions before the result turned. The defeat made England the first team to take the lead twice in World Cup semi-finals — against Croatia in 2018 and again on Wednesday — and lose on both occasions.

Paul Gascoigne, part of a television audience of 24 million in the UK, questioned manager Thomas Tuchel’s late tactical decisions. “I don’t know why after they fought so hard, they tried to hold on for a 1-0 win,” Gazza, 59, told the Mirror. “I cannot understand it. Defending like that is asking for trouble.”

England supporters who had travelled to Atlanta echoed that frustration. Andy Milne, 63, from Northwich, Cheshire, attending his ninth World Cup, said: “I have been to nine World Cups and this is the first time I am coming home angry. I was so frustrated with the man management and changes we made.”

Longstanding England fan Garford Beck, 64, from London, who spent £10,000 travelling to every England game at the tournament, added: “With five minutes plus on the clock, I really dared to believe we were going to the final. We really did make some questionable tactical decisions. It was silly to sit so deep with 10 minutes to go.”

England’s remaining players will now face a third-place play-off in Miami.