The Real Madrid midfielder was level with both Gary Lineker – who scored six times at Mexico ’86 – and team-mate Harry Kane, who netted six in Russia in 2018 and at this tournament.
Bellingham, 23, was brought on in the 79th minute and scored with the final kick of the game, leading a counter-attack from the halfway line to the France box before beating a defender and slotting into the bottom corner.
“He has such confidence in his own ability,” former England midfielder Danny Murphy told BBC One during the match. “The patience, the skill, the shot. What a goal from England’s best player.”
Twelve minutes earlier he had looked set to take a penalty but instead handed the ball to Bukayo Saka who converted to seal his hat-trick.
After the match, Saka told BBC One: “No, Jude [Bellingham] was never taking it. He was the first one to say go and get your hat-trick, so none of them came to distract me. I was always going to take it.”
Barco, who did not play in the game, came on to the pitch at full-time and was hugging team-mates near Bellingham when the England midfielder walked over and slapped him.
It sparked a small melee as players from both sides got involved before Bellingham walked away.
It is not known what prompted the reaction, but footage showed Barco running on the pitch after Enzo Fernandez’s 85th-minute equaliser and celebrating in front of the England players.
Lautaro Martinez headed the winner for Argentina in the second minute of stoppage time, ending the hopes of an England side who had taken an early second-half lead through Anthony Gordon’s goal.
Barco, 21, who plays for French side Strasbourg and previously had a spell at Brighton, has featured once at the tournament as a second-half substitute in a 3-1 group win against Jordan.
The first half of Wednesday’s match in Atlanta was feisty with 19 fouls, as American referee Ismail Elfath struggled to keep control.
Bellingham, who has scored six goals in the tournament, also had a confrontation with Argentina captain Lionel Messi in the fourth minute after England midfielder Elliot Anderson had been fouled.
“We were really just discussing a foul, actually,” Bellingham is reported to have said. after the match.
“It wasn’t anything bad. I’m sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal, but it was nothing.”
Jude Bellingham has been the best player at the World Cup so far, says former England striker Wayne Rooney.
Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham has scored six goals in six games for England, leaving him only two behind France’s Kylian Mbappe and Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot standings.
Erling Haaland, whose Norway side were eliminated by England in the quarter-finals, is on seven while Three Lions captain Harry Kane is level with Bellingham.
England play Messi’s Argentina on Wednesday in the second semi-final (20:00 BST). The match is live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, and BBC Radio 5 Live.
“In terms of best in the world I think you’re looking at someone like Mbappe or Haaland,” Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
“Bellingham hasn’t quite hit those levels at Real Madrid this season, but he’s been the best player in the tournament for me.”
Bellingham, 23, has become a big-game player for England – with nine goals and three assists in World Cups and European Championships.
His Real Madrid team-mate Mbappe – with 12 – is the only European player to have scored more than nine goals in a major tournament before the age of 24.
Bellingham has averaged a goal or assist every 138 minutes at major tournaments for England, compared to one every 284 minutes in other international matches.
He scored in the group wins over Croatia and Panama at this World Cup, then twice against both Mexico and Norway in the knockout stage.
“With Jude, it’s all about energy, passion, desire, drive and that’s how he’s getting his rewards,” said Rooney.
“That’s very rare to have that. A lot of these top players rely on the ability and the technique to get their moments. Jude has desire and hunger and it’s so refreshing to see a player playing the toughest game but also doing it.
“That’s what fans want, especially the England fans. They want to see players running and working for the team and for the badge.
“He reminds me of me in terms of one minute you’re thinking, ‘this lad’s a genius’, and the next minute you’re thinking, ‘don’t go into that tackle, don’t get sent off’.
“It’s exactly how I was. But he’s obviously backing it up in the biggest tournament. There were doubters before but he’s put all that to bed.”
A station in southeast London has been temporarily renamed Jude Bellingham Station before England faces off with Argentina in a seismic semi-final World Cup showdown. Fans hope the star midfielder can help England through to their first World Cup final since 1966.
ROSS Kemp has shared another passionate video raving about England in the World Cup.
The EastEnders star made headlines last week for his hilarious reaction to Harry Kane scoring the winning goal against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
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Ross Kemp shared another hilarious video reaction to England playing in the World CupCredit: Instagram/rosskemptvThe EastEnders star raved about England’s win against MexicoCredit: Instagram/rosskemptv
Now he’s gone and done it again, this time sharing his excitement over England‘s win against Mexico in the World Cup.
In a video posted to Instagram, Ross screams to his phone camera about Jude Bellingham scoring two goals while wearing an England football shirt.
The star says: “Come on England, come on England. You just keep it calm.
Jude Bellingham scored two goals for England in the matchCredit: GettyIt follows Ross raving about the goals scored by Harry Kane last weekCredit: Instagram
“Shut them up. Shut that crowd up, shut everybody up.
“Come on England, come on England. Jude, Jude, Jude, Juuuude. I love you. Love you.
“Keep cool heads, keep cool heads and we will shut them out.”
Fans watching the video thought it was just as funny as the last time and took to the post’s comments section to share their delight.
One user said: “Ross Kemp for next England manager.”
A second shared: “Love a Ross Kemp update.”
A third added: “Love your enthusiasm, come on England.”
It follows Ross’ passionate declaration about Harry Kane, which has since been parodied by Olly Murs.
The star ranted: “Yes! Yes! Harry Kane! Harry Kane!
“That’s what we’re talking about. Great changes made – a massive difference. Come on, England! Close it down. Close it down!”
Punching the air in triumph, he went on: “Four minutes! Four minutes! Plus extra time!”
Looking out of breath, the actor added: “My God, why do you do this to me? Come on, England!”
Harryscored two goals in nine minutesduring the match, delivering England to a 2-1 win and sending the Three Lions to Mexico City.
THE WORLD CUP is well underway with some of England’s top stars already breaking football records – but where do these guys get to when they aren’t kicking around a ball?
Prior to the 2026 World Cup, the England head coach told the England team to head off on their post-season holidays to either the US or Caribbean so they could get used to the time zone and heat for the World Cup.
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The team jetted off to West Palm Beach in Florida and stayed at the luxury Belgrove Resort and Spa.
But each player has also been to a whole host of other spots across the globe – and you might even be surprised by some.
Harry Kane
Lapland, Finland
Over Christmas last year the England captain headed to Lapland in Finland with his family.
His wife, Katie Goodland, shared some snaps on her Instagram showing the family enjoyed dog sledding, spotting reindeer in the snow, heading on fairy light-lit walks among the trees etc.
On one night they even saw the Northern Lights and Kane’s kids enjoyed snowmobiling as well.
In addition, while in Lapland you can head off to Santa Claus Village and send postcards home.
Alternatively, families can have a go at making gingerbread.
Flights to Rovaniemi in October from £22 per way.
Jordan Pickford
Dubai, UAE
Back in January, Jordan Pickford and his wife were spotted flying back from Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates city is well known for its warm climate as well as its architecture such as the Burj Khalifa.
From the city you can also head out to the desert to try sand surfing or dune buggying.
You could fly from the UK to Dubai for £156 per way in July.
Jude Bellingham
Cannes, France
Four weeks ago, Jude posted some snaps of a lavish holiday in Cannes, France, with his 20-year-old brother, Jobe Bellingham.
The duo, along with other friends, enjoyed time on yachts as well as heading to La Mome – a fine dining restaurant that is famous for its foccacia dipped in olive oil and serving up fresh, local seafood.
One of the images appears to show Hôtel Martinez, which is a five-star Art Deco hotel on the Boulevard de la Croisette.
Inside, the hotel has yacht-inspired rooms and boasts a two-star Michelin restaurant.
Rooms cost from around £1,400 a night.
Flights to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport cost from £23 in July.
Dubai, UAE
The pro footballer also recently visited Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
In the city, make sure to visit the Dubai Frame, which is a 150-metre structure with one side framing Old Dubai and the other side framing New Dubai.
You can even walk across a glass bridge on the structure.
You could fly from the UK to Dubai for £156 per way in July.
Jordan Henderson
Lapland UK
Jordan Henderson has previously visited LaplandUK, showing fans you don’t have to travel far to have a magical time.
The midfielder at Brentford enjoyed the experience alongside his family, seeing reindeer and of course visiting Santa.
LaplandUK now has two experiences in the country, with the original in Ascot and a more recently opened site in Manchester.
Tickets to the experience tend to range between £65 and £195 per person, but included in that you get to hang out with the elves and even make your own toy.
Declan Rice
Dubai, UAE
While the pro footballer often visits Dubai for warm-weather training camps, Declan Rice also heads on holiday to the popular spot.
And over the years he has visited the city on many occasions, sometimes even with other pros such as Mason Mount.
While in Dubai, make sure to head to some of the city’s beaches such as Kite Beach which is a great spot for watersports as well as beach volleyball.
Alternatively, head to Sunset Beach, which is known for having a more relaxed vibe and being the ideal stop to watch the sunset.
You could fly from the UK to Dubai for £156 per way in July.
Marcus Rashford
Barcelona, Spain
Last year, Marcus Rashford shared a few snaps of a holiday in Barcelona.
The holiday pics make sense considering the star plays as a forward for La Liga club Barcelona.
But Barcelona is a great city to visit – you can head down the famous La Ramblas and spot human statues.
And of course, enjoy some of the local restaurants serving tapas.
The Spanish city is also home to many designs by the famous architect Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia – the tallest church in the world, that has been built over the past century.
Flights from the UK to Barcelona cost as little as £15 one-way in July.
Bukayo Saka
Lagos, Nigeria
Saka was born in London to Nigerian parents yet often heads to Nigeria in the summer.
He has previously been seen visiting Lagos and Kwara State.
Lagos is Africa’s largest city and is home to around 24million people.
The coastal city is home to the Nike Art Gallery, which spans across five floors and is home to thousands of contemporary and traditional Nigerian artworks.
Make sure to head to the Lekki Conservation Centre too, where you will find Africa’s longest canopy walkway with wetlands home to monkeys and tropical birds.
And for a beach day, stop by Elegushi Beach where you’ll also find a number of beach clubs and oceanfront restaurants.
One-way flights to Lagos from the UK cost from £263 in July.
Ollie Watkins
Lake Como, Italy
Back in 2024, Aston Villa and England strikerOllie Watkins proposed to Ellie Alderson at the Mandarin Oriental on Lago di Como.
The five-star resort hotel can be found in the village of Blevio, which is on the eastern side of Lake Como.
Across the hotel, you will find nine villas with a total of 75 rooms and suites.
There are also two villas with balconies overlooking the lake and with views of the Alps.
The hotel also has a huge spa with an indoor pool and another infinity pool outside on the edge of the lake.
A room costs from £1,162 per night.
But there are many other nice spots to visit and stay nearby.
For example, just down the road you could stay at Casa Giulietta Caronti, which also boasts views of the lake.
The B&B even has seven new suites with hot tubs inside, costing from just £112 per night.
You’d also be just a few minutes from downtown Como and Cernobbio.
Flights to Milan cost from £15 per way in July.
Estelle Manor, The Cotswolds
Estelle Manor is a Grade II listed country estate and hotel in Oxfordshire – which Watkins recently posted a pic of himself at on Instagram.
The hotel only opened in 2023 but has become well-known for its stylish rooms and Walled Garden.
There are also four restaurants onsite, as well as a kid’s club.
Rooms at the hotel cost from £575 per night.
But if that is outside of your budget, don’t worry as the Cotswolds is home to an abundance of pretty places to stay.
For example, you could head down the road to the Artist’s Residence near South Leigh.
The pretty pub with rooms boasts a thatched roof and dates back to the 16th century.
Inside the rooms feature a whimsical vibe, with minibars and Nespresso coffee machines.
Some rooms even have vaulted ceilings and free-standing bath tubs.
And staying costs a fraction of the price compared to Estelle Manor, with rooms from £153 per night.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is the very spot Watkins got married at.
Built between 1907 and 1912, the villa is home to a massive collection of art as well nine themed gardens.
The villa was even designed to mimic the deck of a cruise ship, with visitors able to see the sea whichever side of the villa they are on.
The villa is open to the public to visit adult tickets costing €18 (£15.51) and children’s tickets costing €12 (£10.34).
Flights to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport cost from £23 per way in July.
Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy
In another Instagram post, Ollie Watkins was recently spotted in Positano on the Amalfi Coast.
The town is famous for its pastel-coloured buildings stagger across the cliffs.
When visiting you can head to a number of beach clubs as well.
Make sure to walk along the waterfront and head to the 300-metre beach to soak up the sunshine.
For a quieter spot, drop by Fornillo Beach which is a secluded pebble cove.
Flights to Naples Airport cost from £31 per way in July.
Capri, Italy
The famous footballer was also spotted staying in another luxury Italian hotel – Jumeirah Capri Palace.
Found in Anacapri on the island of Capri, the hotel boasts a unique medical spa as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant.
There are also two pools at the hotel, an outdoor terrace with panoramic views and a fancy wine cellar.
Though, it will set you back around £3,444 per night.
Instead, a short drive away you could stay at Hotel Belvedere e Tre Re, which directly looks over the beach and glistening turquoise water.
And it costs from £216 a night instead of a few grand.
It is also closer to another spot the star was spotted at as well – Da Paolino Lemontrees.
The famous restaurant is known for its tables that sit directly under hundreds of real lemon trees.
Open since the 1970s, the much-loved restaurant often attracts celebs with other notable figures that have dined there including Beyonce and Mariah Carey.
Make sure to visit the dessert room, which has an entire buffet dedicated to all things sweet including traditional Italian desserts and lemon-infused treats.
Flights to Naples Airport cost from £31 per way in July.
Jude Bellingham has said the external “noise” around his place in the England team may help him find his best form during the World Cup.
One of the main talking points around selection before England’s first group game against Croatia was whether boss Thomas Tuchel would select Real Madrid’s Bellingham or Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers in the number 10 role behind captain Harry Kane.
Bellingham was chosen to start in Dallas and scored England’s crucial third goal just after half-time, with Marcus Rashford adding a fourth late on to complete a 4-2 win.
“For me personally, it was nice to put some of the noise aside and just show my country and my team-mates how committed I am to help us try to win football matches,” the 22-year-old, who is appearing in a fourth consecutive major tournament for England, told BBC Sport.
“To contribute, to help my team and help my country is one of the biggest honours and regardless of the noise outside, that honour doesn’t change for me at all.”
Bellingham conceded that it has been a “bit of a tougher season for me”, with the start of his 2025-26 campaign disrupted by injury, his club side in Spain ending up eight points behind eventual champions Barcelona and his place in the national team under scrutiny.
But Bellingham said he feels “fresh and sharp” heading into the tournament and it was “nice to hear” comments from colleagues such as Jordan Henderson, who said the former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund player gives England an “X-factor”.
Asked if he has entered the World Cup with added impetus, Bellingham said: “A little bit – I think I’ve got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder, haven’t I?”
However, it is understood England manager Thomas Tuchel is likely to select Bellingham, 22, for Wednesday’s Group L encounter in Dallas (21:00 BST).
The Real Madrid star is expected to have Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest alongside him in midfield.
Elsewhere, Ezri Konsa is likely to get the nod at centre-half alongside John Stones – with Marc Guehi in line to start on the bench.
Reece James and Nico O’Reilly are set to start at full-back.
Harry Kane will captain the side and lead the attack. Anthony Gordon is expected to play on the left wing with Noni Madueke in line to play on the right in place of Bukayo Saka, who is working his way back to full fitness from Achilles tendinitis.
Bellingham missed just 29 minutes of England’s Euro 2024 campaign, starting all seven matches, but his fortunes have changed under Gareth Southgate’s replacement.
The 22-year-old missed two qualifying matches last September because of a shoulder injury but was overlooked for October’s international camp, including a qualifier against Latvia.
He returned to the squad in November but was forced to miss friendlies in March with a persistent hamstring issue.
His relationship with Tuchel has frequently come under scrutiny, with the manager describing Bellingham’s on-field behaviour during last June’s defeat by Senegal as “repulsive” – a remark Tuchel later apologised for.
In November, Tuchel said he would “review” Bellingham’s behaviour following his reaction to being substituted during a qualifier against Albania.
However, he was impressed with Bellingham’s performance in Saturday’s World Cup warm-up match against New Zealand in Tampa, believing he has hit a “sweet spot” heading into the tournament.
Bellingham took the captain’s armband after coming on at half-time in the 1-0 win.
“You can see Jude has for sure the decisiveness and bite,” Tuchel said. “This is his key characteristic, but you can see that he comes from an injury and is full of energy and happy to be back on the pitch.
“He had his break, unfortunately, in a decisive part of the season, the Champions League season and campaign for the championship in Spain, so this was very unfortunate for Real Madrid and for him personally.
“But you can see now that he is actually in a sweet spot. He comes back, he’s fresh, he wants to play and he’s in top shape.”
England and Real Madrid footballer Jude Bellingham has bought a 1% stake in cricket team Birmingham Phoenix.
The deal for The Hundred franchise, set to be confirmed on Wednesday, is worth around £800,000.
The eight franchises were put up for sale last year and American investment group Knighthead Capital Management, who own Bellingham’s former club Birmingham City, bought a 49% stake for £48m. Warwickshire retained their 51% stake.
Bellingham is a cricket fan and played junior cricket for Hagley Cricket Club in Worcestershire.
Asked in an interview last year which sportsperson he would swap places with, he said England Test captain Ben Stokes.
Legendary NFL quarterback Brady is also part of the Knighthead group.
