It's testament to the progress that England have made over the last decade that, in the eyes of many, they will be favourites when they come up against World Cup holders Argentina in the semi-finals of the 2026 edition on Wednesday. Of course, a side containing the great Lionel Messi still poses an existential threat to the Three Lions' chances of ending six decades of hurt, but Thomas Tuchel's men have nothing to fear in Atalanta.
England legend Sir Geoff Hurst has thrown his support behind Jude Bellingham following the midfielder's dismissive response to criticism from manager Thomas Tuchel. After the Real Madrid star inspired a quarter-final victory over Norway, he brushed off the German coach's assessment of the team's performance with a blunt reply.
England captain Harry Kane has accused the media of attempting to manufacture internal camp unrest ahead of their World Cup semi-final showdown against Argentina. The striker firmly maintained the squad remains entirely united despite Jude Bellingham's dismissive response to criticism from Thomas Tuchel about England's display in their quarter-final win over Norway.
And so we get to the real bit. England have had, in truth, quite a favourable run in the World Cup thus far. Mexico at the Azteca was a real test, but they are yet to face a team that is, objectively, better than them. Enter Argentina, the reigning champions and led by a certain Lionel Messi.
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel have “history” and continue to butt heads occasionally, but former England international Gary Pallister has told GOAL why the pair’s latest exchange of words is nothing more than a “storm in a teacup”. The Three Lions’ class of 2026 are chasing down immortality at the World Cup in North America, with it important that no cracks are allowed to form in that camp.
Watch the video again and you can almost see Jude Bellingham loading his answer as the interviewer navigates the question. The Real Madrid superstar had just been informed that his manager, Thomas Tuchel, was "disappointed" with England's performance following a gusty 2-1 win over Norway in Miami on Saturday night. Bellingham's remarkably clippable response? "Whatever."
Harry Kane has leaped to the defence of Thomas Tuchel after the England head coach delivered a scathing assessment of the Three Lions' quarter-final victory over Norway. Despite securing a place in the World Cup semi-finals, the German tactician was far from satisfied with the laboured performance in Miami.
Thomas Tuchel has opened up on his decision to substitute Declan Rice at half-time during England's dramatic 2-1 World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway. Despite battling a pre-match sickness bug to start the high-stakes clash in Miami, the Arsenal midfielder was a surprise withdrawal at the interval as the Three Lions chased a comeback.
The loudest cheer of the night came when Jude Bellingham took his swansong. He didn't need long. Even the way he ran off the pitch was purposeful - a direct scamper, a couple of kisses and a wave to the crowd. It was much like the rest of his performance. Bellingham had grabbed this game and molded it in his will. He scored two talismanic goals, and did plenty of other important stuff, too - tackle, pass, dribble, shout.
Harry Kane has lifted the lid on Thomas Tuchel’s honest assessment of England’s performance after the Three Lions scraped past Norway to reach the World Cup semi-finals. Despite booking a place in the final four, the England captain admitted the German tactician was far from satisfied with what he saw on the pitch in Miami.
Jude Bellingham has delivered a blunt response to Thomas Tuchel’s criticism of England’s performance after the Three Lions beat Norway 2-1 to secure their spot in the World Cup semi-finals. Despite Bellingham’s heroics in Miami, the England manager was left frustrated by a performance he deemed below the required standard.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted his surprise at Erling Haaland’s prematch comments ahead of England's World Cup quarter-final clash with Norway. The German manager insisted his squad can handle the mounting expectation after the striker attempted to deflect all the pressure onto the Three Lions by publicly downplaying his team's chances.
Thomas Tuchel has criticised FIFA after Jarell Quansah's one-match suspension was upgraded to a two-game ban following England's World Cup win over Mexico. The England boss admitted he has received no explanation for the decision as his side prepare for a quarter-final against Norway.
Bryan Robson believes Thomas Tuchel has overlooked the one defender best equipped to handle Erling Haaland ahead of England's World Cup clash with Norway. The former England captain argues Harry Maguire's physicality would have made him the ideal match for the prolific striker, despite backing the Three Lions to edge a close contest.
England midfielder Jordan Henderson will require surgery on the wrist injury he sustained as he celebrated the 3-2 win against Mexico. The Three Lions midfielder will now miss the rest of the competition as his side progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.