Jude Bellingham could face Fifa ban for SLAPPING Argentina star after full-time of World Cup semi-final defeat

JUDE BELLINGHAM could face Fifa action for slapping Argentina’s Valentin Barco in the aftermath of England’s World Cup semi-final defeat. Three Lions ace Bellingham, 23, was congratulating other Argentine players at the final whistle when he got into an altercation with Strasbourg midfielder Barco. Video footage appeared to show Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham reeling from an apparent comment by Barco. That saw him react and cuff the Strasbourg man with his right hand before other players intervened. Bellingham’s reaction was not spotted by any of the match officials. But it opens him up to potential disciplinary action by Fifa, who have already been accused of operating double standards in the competition. READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP Bellingham, who was in tears after full-time, could even face a ban – ruling him out of Saturday’s third-place game with France in Miami. Given the despondency that has settled over the England camp after their defeat to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, that would probably not be too much of a loss. Indeed, Thomas Tuchel may have to look for volunteers to fulfil the fixture. England’s squad will now be desperate to pack up their bags in Kansas City and head for home and a rest before the start of the new season. Most read in Football WORLD CUP 2026 FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS England ratings vs Argentina: Kane quiet when it matters most but Spence shines ENGLAND’s bid to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 ended in a heartbreaking, yet predictable, defeat to Argentina. Thomas Tuchel’s side suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat to Lionel Messi and Co at the Atlanta Stadium this evening. Anthony Gordon sent the travelling Three Lions fans into a state of ecstasy in the 53rd minute when he ghosted in at the back post to tap the ball home inside the 18-yard box. England tried to protect their lead as Thomas Tuchel made a host of defensive substitutions. And they inevitably sat way too deep, allowing Enzo Fernandez to rifle the ball past Jordan Pickford in the 85th minute with a rocket from outside the 18-yard-box. England were shell-shocked and never looked like holding out until extra-time. And super-sub Lautaro Martinez was at hand to break Three Lions fans’ hearts across the globe with a free header at the back post in the 92nd minute. Here is how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England stars’ performances on a dismal day in Atlanta… It is more likely, though, that Fifa will choose to let the incident pass without any action. Alternatively, Bellingham could be hit with a fine – which might be suspended. Fifa have been asked for comment and have yet to respond. Nevertheless, Bellingham’s World Cup tournament will not be defined by the incident. He scored six goals, including back-to-back doubles in the wins over Mexico and Norway.