CORNERFLICK
England’s route to the World Cup semi-finals has been overshadowed by a public exchange between Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel before Wednesday’s meeting with Argentina.
The Three Lions are chasing a first World Cup final since 1966 and will do so against the holders, whom they have not faced in the tournament since 2002. That group-stage meeting ended 1-0 to England, with David Beckham scoring from the penalty spot.
The latest flashpoint came after England’s win over Norway, when Tuchel criticised the display and Bellingham pushed back, saying the team had to win “dirty” against a difficult opponent.
Tuchel said England’s issue was not mentality but quality, and argued they must play better. Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney both backed the manager’s assessment, while Harry Kane tried to calm the situation, saying Tuchel had simply congratulated the squad and told them to enjoy the moment.
England are now into their second semi-final in eight years, but the argument has given the build-up an unexpectedly tense edge.