Bellingham slapped Argentina substitute after England exit

Jude Bellingham slapped Argentina substitute Valentin Barco following England's 2-1 World Cup semi‑final defeat. Barco, who did not feature in the match, came onto the pitch at full‑time and was hugging teammates near Bellingham when the England midfielder walked past and struck him. The incident sparked a brief melee as players from both sides became involved before Bellingham walked away. It remains unclear what prompted the reaction, but footage shows Barco moving onto the pitch after Enzo Fernandez's 85th‑minute equaliser and celebrating in front of the England players. Lautaro Martinez headed the winner for Argentina in the 2nd infinitesimal of stoppage time, ending the hopes of an England side that had taken an ab original second-half lead through Anthony Gordon's goal. Barco, 21, plays for French side Strasbourg and previously had a spell at Brighton. He appeared as a second‑half substitute in the team's 3-1 group triumph over Jordan. The first half of Wednesday's match in Atlanta was feisty with 19 fouls, as American referee Ismail Elfath struggled to maintain control. Bellingham, who has scored six goals in the tournament, also had a confrontation with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the 4th infinitesimal after England midfielder Elliot Anderson had been fouled. "We were truly conscionable discussing a foul, actually," Bellingham is reported to person said. after the match. "It wasn't thing bad. I'm definite everyone volition bash their happening and marque it a large deal, but it was nothing."