Bellingham's Frustration Boils Over
Jude Bellingham was visibly angry with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford after Argentina's equaliser in the World Cup semi-final, according to lip-readers who saw the midfielder exclaim 'it's the middle of the goal'. The incident occurred when Enzo Fernandez scored from a long-range effort following a short corner, leaving Pickford unable to save despite a full-stretch dive.
Bellingham, a former Birmingham City star, had been the only England player pressuring Fernandez and only saw replays on the stadium screens in Atlanta. His reaction suggested he believed Pickford should have done better.
Gary Neville Joins Criticism
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville was equally critical of Pickford, stating on the Stick to Football World Cup Watch Party: 'Not gone in the corner, that, he's got to save that. Got to save it. He's past it.' Neville had earlier questioned Pickford's handling, saying: 'Don't let him shoot from there. Got to catch that. It's straight at him. Honestly, it's going over as well.'
Neville also criticised England's overall performance before the goal, noting: 'We have stopped playing, we've sat back. We're sleeping, we're sleeping.'
Roy Keane Praises Fernandez
In contrast, Roy Keane praised Enzo Fernandez's strike, saying: 'What a strike, what a strike that is. 'Keeper gets nowhere near it, look at the 'keeper, he's nowhere near it. It's the power.' Keane also predicted Lautaro Martinez's decisive goal, stating: 'I said he was going to score, didn't I say he was going to score? Martinez was going to score with the header, didn't I say? It's all down the right-hand side [to Messi]. What a game. I said Martinez would score. What an option he is off the bench.'
Keane added: 'Give credit where it's due - it's his [Messi's] weaker foot. We are watching greatness here, I am telling you. We are watching greatness, appreciate it, seriously.'
Match Outcome
Argentina won the semi-final 2-1, with Keane correctly predicting the scoreline. Ian Wright noted: 'You had 2-1 Argentina...' to which Keane grinned and replied: 'Who had 2-1 Argentina? Me?'
England now face a Nations League campaign, with tickets available for matches against Spain and Czechia via Seat Unique.
