Jude Bellingham cries and says ‘I’m sorry’ after England World Cup agony | Football | Sport

Jude Bellingham broke down in tears after England‘s dreams of World Cup glory were crushed by Argentina in the semi-finals. Two late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez broke English hearts as the Three Lions capitulated after scoring first through Anthony Gordon. Rather than pushing for another goal to make sure of victory, England dropped deep and invited wave after wave of pressure, a strategy that ultimately backfired.

There were emotional scenes immediately after the final whistle, with Bellingham among the players left in floods of tears. He repeatedly wiped his eyes as he trudged around the pitch with the rest of his England team-mates. The midfielder was also seen consoling Nico O’Reilly and was involved in a post-match scrap with a number of Argentina players as tensions boiled over.

Bellingham wore a low baseball cap to cover his face while speaking to BBC Sport in his post-match interview as he took the opportunity to apologise for the result.

“I think we can take a lot from the experience, but it is so gutting,” said Bellingham. “I wanted to be part of an England squad that finally did it, finally got it over the line.

“To be here telling the fans unfortunately probably the same things they’ve heard for years and years, it’s really gutting.

“I wish I could say more or give one more win or two more wins, but yeah, at the moment my head’s a bit fuzzy with disappointment, so I’m sorry.”

England’s defensive shift has led to growing calls for Thomas Tuchel to be sacked, given that he was appointed to deal with exactly those types of situations.

In spite of England’s capitulation, the 52-year-old defended his tactical approach following the final whistle, insisting that he had no regrets.

“We were so close, but we got too passive after we scored,” said Tuchel. “We were close but couldn’t keep the level up after we scored.

“We decided to go to a back five because there were too many gaps and they were far too open. We did it to close the gaps inside and be stronger in the air.

“Straight after the goal, with no substitution, we just conceded too many chances. We tried to help, but of course the responsibility is on the coach.

“At the moment, no regrets. The team gave everything, and we were very, very close. I think we deserved to be 1-0 up.

“We played one of our better matches, maybe the best match in the circumstances. The team was top, we couldn’t get it over the line. So, no regrets.”