Jude Bellingham set to be targeted by Argentina in World Cup semi‑final

England’s midfield star Jude Bellingham, who has scored six goals in six matches at the tournament, will face defending champions Argentina in the semi‑final in Atlanta. Former England striker Ian Wright warned that Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni is likely to “target” Bellingham, aiming to neutralise the 23‑year‑old’s influence. Wright said, “they will probably target Jude because he’s our main guy and they will want him out of the match.”

England, coached by Thomas Tuchel, will also must contend with Lionel Messi, who will be playing his first World Cup match against England. Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford stressed the need to focus on the whole Argentine side, not just Messi. The match, scheduled for Wednesday night, could decide which nation reaches the final for the first time since England’s 1966 triumph and Argentina’s back‑to‑back title hopes.