Jude Bellingham could land himself in hot water for slapping Valentin Barco on the head following England’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina.
The Three Lions’ hopes of World Cup glory came to a crushing end in the semi-finals on Wednesday, as holders Argentina staged a dramatic comeback in the closing stages.
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And Bellingham’s frustrations look to have got the better of himself as he took out his anger on Strasbourg left-back Barco.
England were just minutes away from sealing their place in a first World Cup final since 1966 following Anthony Gordon’s 55th minute opener.
But Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute with a stunning strike from distance.
And Inter striker Lautaro Martinez then scored a stoppage-time winner to set-up a final meeting between Argentina and Spain.
Incoming ban?
As England’s stars were visibility emotional following the full-time whistle, holders Argentina gleefully celebrated reaching back-to-back finals.
Barco, an unused substitute in the match, could be seen directly celebrating in front of the Three Lions squad as he sprinted on the pitch.
It was something Bellingham may not have taken kindly to, as cameras caught him approaching and giving him a slap on the back on the head, which resulted in a shoving match and an angry exchange of words between the pair.
But Bellingham wasn’t done there, as he proceeded to get in the face of the 21-year-old, with Nicolas Otamendi this time pushing him back.
The Real Madrid midfielder, who was given a 6/10 in Adrian Durham’s player ratings from the game, now faces a retrospective ban should the incident be investigated.
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Bellingham also had words with Lionel Messi on the pitch, which onlookers claimed ignited a fire in the Argentina skipper to drive his nation to the final, which seems unlikely.
And the England man said as much afterwards. “We were discussing a foul actually, but it was nothing bad at all,” he said. “I’m sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal but no, it was nothing big really.
“I thought it was a foul earlier and he said ‘what about the one on me?’ and I was just saying, ‘you’re strong enough to take them.’ It’s a privilege to play against him, it was nothing like that against him.
“Obviously I’m on the losing side, it hurts a lot but it a privilege to play against one of the best.”
Bellingham wasn’t the only England star involved in confrontations with the opposition.
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers had to be held back by his teammates after taking umbrage to the Argentina squad.
Rogers could be seen angrily pointing at matchwinner Martinez and Argentina’s back-up goalkeeper Juan Musso.
Among the peacemakers looking to calm down proceedings were Ivan Toney, James Trafford and Dean Henderson.
Meanwhile, there were unsavoury scenes in New York following England’s heartbreaking loss.
Fans have been seen scrapping on the streets with supporters expressing their anger.
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Attention will now turn towards Thomas Tuchel’s position as England manager, with the German having a contract through to Euro 2028.
But the former Blues boss has a World Cup performance clause included in his contract, which could see him replaced in the dugout.
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