The star of the show for England as they beat Norway 2-1 to make the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup was very much Jude Bellingham. However, there are now fears of a possible injury ahead of the Three Lions' next round meeting with Argentina.
The Real Madrid midfielder scored twice as Thomas Tuchel's men came from behind to beat Norway in the quarters. Bellingham showed quality and composure as he ran through on goal to level the scores in injury time of the first-half (albeit in controversial fashion after the ball appeared to hit a TV wire). He then popped up with the winner in extra-time, finishing from close range after Morgan Rogers' shot was parried into danger.
Bellingham has scored six goals in total this summer, and will be key if England can go all the way. It will concern fans then to learn that he may have an injury ahead of the semi-final vs Argentina.
Bellingham Will Be Key vs Argentina – if Fit
England's Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring vs NorwayEngland's Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring vs Norway via Reuters/Sam Navarro
Argentina are the reigning world champions having won in 2022, and will be desperate to make their second successive final. Lionel Messi's side have looked somewhat unconving at times this summer, but there is also an air of inevabitly about the team.
They were two goals down against Egypt in the Last 16 before pulling off a spectacular and controversial comeback to win the game 3-2. Lionel Scaloni's men then struggled to get across the line against 10-man Switzerland but eventually blew them away to win 3-1 in extra time.
While all the English focus will be on how to stop Messi, their opponents will have certainly identified Bellingham as a big problem to contend with themselves. The midfielder has now scored two goals in each of the last two knockout games, while also bagging twice in the group stages against Croatia and Panama.
Piers Morgan has summed up a certain confidence in the player from some sections of the English fanbase, remarking: "All this fearful talk of ‘how will England stop Messi’ is ludicrous. The much more pertinent question is how will Argentina stop Bellingham? He’s the real superstar of this World Cup."
However, England could be without their key man against Argentina.
Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel pictured for England against Norway Related
Jude Bellingham Doubles Down on Clash With Thomas Tuchel With Another Fiery Interview
Once again, Bellingham refused to pull any punches – tension between the two appears to be very high
Bellingham's Shoulder Injury Could Lead to World Cup Problems
In footage shared by Spanish outlet Diario AS, Bellingham was seen struggling with a shoulder injury in the aftermath of the win against Norway. Another photo also appears to show him holding his upper arm during the game while in conversation with Tuchel.
In light of the images, TyC Sports have reported that the 23-year-old is being closely monitored by the Three Lions’ medical staff ahead of the tie with Argentina. On top of that, it has been alleged that he could be forced to wear a bandage as he battles for a place in the World Cup final.
Other reports claim that Bellingham picked up the problem in a collision with a Norwegian defender. He was also spotted speaking with England physio Steve Kemp during a cooling break and remained in discomfort for the rest of the win against Norway.
It will not help that, Bellingham has had shoulder issues before, and needed surgery to solve the problems which ruled him out for the start of the 2025/26 season. After that procedure, he said: “I’ve reached the point where the pain isn’t so bad. I was fed up with playing in a sling.
“I’m losing a lot of weight from sweating so much. I’ve been waiting a while and my patience is running out, but the physios and doctors have been incredible and I want to feel free.”
That injury forced him to play through 18 months of pain, having initially dislocated his shoulder during a La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano.