New footage has surfaced that appears to explain why Jude Bellingham lost his temper and slapped Argentina defender Valentin Barco after England's crushing World Cup semi-final defeat. The incident occurred following a 2-1 loss to Argentina in Atlanta, where England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute but conceded two late goals.
England's collapse and Argentina's taunts
England adopted an ultra-defensive approach after Gordon's goal, with manager Thomas Tuchel sending on defenders Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, and Nico O'Reilly to protect the lead. However, Argentina equalized in the 85th minute through a stunning 25-yard strike from Enzo Fernandez. In extra time, Lautaro Martinez headed home Lionel Messi's cross to put Argentina ahead.
A newly emerged 11-second clip shows Barco, an unused substitute, racing onto the field and cheering directly in the faces of several England players immediately after Fernandez's equalizer. The video, shared on social media by account @paseclave__, shows Bellingham shoving Barco away with force on the edge of the England penalty area. Moments later, Argentina scored their second goal.
Post-match fracas and Romero's celebration
After the final whistle, Bellingham was seen slapping Barco during a post-match altercation. Tottenham defender Cristian Romero also taunted Bellingham by staring at the Real Madrid star while cheering and thumping his chest. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said after the match, "There was blood in the water, and we went for it. That's the feeling that I was getting."
Scaloni described his team's performance as "epic squared," adding, "This group is difficult to explain. It is a show of the collectiveness, the brotherhood that we are in. We fight to the very end with all that we have."
Tuchel's tactics under fire
Tuchel has faced heavy criticism from fans and pundits for England's defensive approach after taking the lead, but he insisted he had "no regrets" about the tactical switch. Despite calls for his dismissal, the FA reportedly plans to keep faith with the German, who signed a two-year extension through Euro 2028 in February.
England will face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday, while Argentina meets Spain in Sunday's final.
