Bellingham brings clarity but Tuchel needs answers before Argentina clash

What more can be said about Jude Bellingham? He has become England's talisman but, somehow, keeps going to new levels. Just when you thought things couldn't get better than his last-16 performance against Mexico, he delivers a display that was even more special – dragging England into the semi-finals with both goals in an unconvincing 2-1 extra-time win over Norway.

As Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney penned in his piece from Miami Stadium, Bellingham – almost by sheer force of will alone – brought clarity to a confused England side. Where there’d been a problem, he offered the solution and his supernova moments in a World Cup of stars fit an exhilarating theme of this tournament.

Yet, despite the joy of reaching just a fourth World Cup semi-final in the history of the England men's team, all appeared not to be well in the immediate aftermath...

Thomas Tuchel had to keep correcting his own mistakes, not for the first time at this World Cup, but it had never been so distinctive or self-inflicted. Then, after the match, he gave an explosive interview where he turned on ITV journalist Gabriel Clarke for asking about the team's mentality before describing his side as "sloppy" and claiming they were "lucky" to win.

Bellingham didn't take too kindly to hearing his manager had criticised the display, curtly saying in his own interview with Clarke: "Yeah well, whatever. My thoughts and appreciation goes to the players our there who put in a great shift."

Tension between England's coach and their talisman? Remember, they have had a strained relationship ever since last summer when Tuchel was forced to backtrack after describing some of Bellingham's on-pitch behaviour as "repulsive"...

Now they go into battle together against Argentina in Wednesday's semi-final, after they squeezed past Switzerland, in no small part thanks to a controversial red card. Breel Embolo was sent off under the World Cup's new 'mistaken identity' law, which saw a Swiss free-kick overturned and the forward instead hit by a second yellow card.

Argentina have made hard work of Cape Verde, Egypt and now the Swiss, showing flaws and character much like the England side they will take on in Atlanta. But they go on and so too does Lionel Messi's World Cup career, after a night when he didn't score and his teammates showed they have other routes to goal.

However, there was tragic news that tainted a wonderful evening of football. South Africa star Jayden Adams, who played in all three group games for Bafana Bafana at this World Cup just a couple of weeks ago, was found dead at the age of 25. Details surrounding the circumstances of his passing remain unclear but deepest sympathy is extended to his family, friends and loved ones.

Luke Baker | Deputy Sports Editor

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