England are out of the World Cup, and Jude Bellingham appeared to aim some frustrations at Jordan Pickford against Argentina
Jordan Pickford #1 of England reacts after the 1-2 loss during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium
England and Jordan Pickford crashed out of the World Cup after being defeated by Argentina(Image: Getty)
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Jude Bellingham seemed to be rather annoyed with Jordan Pickford after Argentina's leveller in England's 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat. But the Everton shot-stopper has had nothing but praise for his international team-mate.
England's dreams of reaching only a second-ever World Cup final were shattered on Wednesday evening. Anthony Gordon had put Thomas Tuchel's men in front after a cagey opening 55 minutes in Atlanta, but they were soon punished for their passivity, and a pair of late goals sent them home.
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez levelled the match with five minutes of regular time remaining before Lautaro Martinez headed home in 90+2. But when the first goal, a long-distance strike from a short corner, went in, cameras showed Bellingham's apparent dissatisfaction.
The Real Madrid midfielder appeared to angrily exclaim, "It's the middle of the goal," blaming Pickford for not saving the curling effort. It was misery all-round for the Three Lions at full-time, but despite Bellingham making this slight dig, Pickford has never missed the opportunity to talk up his peer.
Bellingham almost single-handedly dragged England through their quarter-final clash with Norway, and when asked after the game about his influence, Pickford hailed him.
Enzo Fernandez #24 of Argentina scores his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium
The goalkeeper couldn't stop Fernandez's effort(Image: Getty)
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"He's brilliant," said Pickford. "His mentality is what puts him on that level. To come up at times in every game, to make blocks that are just as good as a goal. He's been top level and may it continue."
Everton's No.1 also dubbed Bellingham 'golden boy' during Euro 2024, where England progressed into the final but were ultimately defeated by Spain.
This run may never have occurred if the Three Lions had slipped up in the round of 16. They were trailing against Slovakia until the 95th minute, when Bellingham popped up with a last-gasp bicycle kick.
Harry Kane eventually won the game in extra time, and afterwards, Pickford lauded his two team-mates and singled out Bellingham as the country's exceptional young talent.
"You've got two superstars, Jude and Harry, and they've come up with the goods," he said. "Jude, golden boy, again with the overhead kick to keep us in the game, keep us in the tournament. For Jude to come up with that, something special from Walks' [Kyle Walker] long throw, we mixed our game up so well."
Jude Bellingham #10 and Jordan Pickford #1 of England celebrate after the 2-1 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium
There is undoubtedly a mutual respect between Bellingham and Pickford(Image: Getty)
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Alas, there was no such joy against Argentina, and Bellingham's vexation came to the fore after the final whistle, as he appeared to slap opposition substitute, Valentin Barco.
Speaking after the game, he was near inconsolable and said: "I wish I could give one more win or two more wins, but at the moment, my head is a bit fuzzy with disappointment, so I'm sorry."
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