England Eliminated: Bellingham's Record Tournament Ends in Heartbreak Against Argentina
England led. They were the better team for long stretches of a fiercely competitive match in Atlanta. Anthony Gordon's 55th-minute goal was brilliant — a Morgan Rogers pass, a first-touch control, a low driven finish past Emiliano Martínez. Pickford made six saves, the performance of his tournament. England defended with extraordinary discipline for 84 minutes. And then Messi happened.
Two assists in 90 seconds. Fernández in the 85th minute. Lautaro in the 90th+. England had been 9 minutes from a World Cup final. They are instead eliminated at the semifinal stage, continuing a pattern of heartbreak that has defined English football at major tournaments for 60 years.
Bellingham's Legacy
Jude Bellingham ends his 2026 World Cup with six goals — a record for an England midfielder at a single World Cup, surpassing Gary Lineker's 1986 mark. He was England's best player across six matches. Tonight he was largely anonymous in the second half as Argentina's pressure grew. He is 22 years old. He will be back. The 2030 World Cup will be Bellingham's tournament to own if England qualify. The pain of tonight will not define him — it will motivate him.
What's Next for England Fans in NYC
The World Cup Final is still on Sunday at MetLife. The Bronze Final — featuring England potentially if they win the third-place playoff — is Saturday July 18 at 5pm ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. England vs one of the other SF losers. Tickets are considerably cheaper than the Final.