Fresh concerns over Jude Bellingham’s fitness
Fresh concern has emerged over Jude Bellingham’s fitness after video footage appeared to show the England star nursing his shoulder in the aftermath of the Three Lions’ World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway on Saturday, reports BritPanorama.
Bellingham inspired Thomas Tuchel’s side into the semi-finals with two goals in the dramatic 2-1 extra-time win, once again proving decisive on the biggest stage.
Attention has now turned away from his match-winning display after foreign media highlighted footage of the Real Madrid midfielder repeatedly holding his shoulder following the final whistle. Spanish newspaper Diario AS shared a video of Bellingham clutching the area as he made his way towards post-match media interviews.
The 23-year-old was also photographed holding the top of his arm while speaking with Tuchel after the match, fuelling further questions over his condition ahead of Wednesday’s showdown with Argentina. Argentine outlet TyC Sports reports England’s medical staff are keeping a close watch on Bellingham in the build-up to the semi-final, claiming the midfielder could require additional strapping or a bandage if he is selected to face the reigning world champions.
Meanwhile, Ole suggested the problem stemmed from a collision with a Norway defender during the quarter-final. The publication also reported that Bellingham spoke with England physiotherapist Steve Kemp during one of the scheduled cooling breaks before appearing to manage the issue for the remainder of the contest. England have yet to comment publicly on Bellingham’s condition.
Any concern surrounding the midfielder will, however, inevitably attract attention given his previous shoulder problems. Last summer, Bellingham underwent surgery after spending around 18 months playing through the pain of a dislocated shoulder originally suffered during a LaLiga match for Real Madrid against Rayo Vallecano. The operation forced him to miss the beginning of the 2025/26 season before he returned fully fit.
Speaking after undergoing surgery, Bellingham admitted he had grown tired of managing the injury. “I’ve reached the point where the pain isn’t so bad. I was fed up with playing in a sling,” he said.
England will hope there are no lasting concerns given Bellingham’s outstanding form in North America. The midfielder has scored six goals during the tournament, including braces against both Mexico and Norway, leaving him level with captain Harry Kane and firmly in contention for the Golden Boot. With Lionel Messi and Argentina standing between England and a place in the World Cup final, Tuchel will be desperate to have his talisman available for one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
As the World Cup reaches its pinnacle, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Bellingham’s fitness will be a focal point, and how he manages this latest concern could influence not just his team’s fate, but the narrative that surrounds this World Cup—reminding us just how quickly fortunes can shift in football.
