Bellingham solved Messi’s conflict in the tense semi final of the World Cup

Jude Bellingham has dismissed suggestions of any bad blood with Lionel Messi after the pair were involved in an exchange during England’s World Cup semi-final defeat.

Television cameras captured the two players shaking hands and exchanging words during the first half of Wednesday’s clash in Atlanta, with the moment becoming the talk of the town after Argentina came from behind to win 2-1.

However, Bellingham insisted that the discussion was nothing more than a discussion about unfairness.

“We were talking about a mistake actually,” he said afterward.

“It was not a bad thing, I am sure that everyone will do their thing and make it big [out of it]. But it wasn’t really a big deal.

“I thought there was something bad before and then he said: ‘What about the one on top of me?’ I said: ‘You are strong enough to take it.’ You know what I mean?

“It was an honor to play with him, it was nothing like this with him. Obviously I’m in the losing team, which hurts me a lot. But it’s an honor to meet the best.”

Messi has the last word

Messi would have the final say, scoring two late goals as Argentina denied Anthony Gordon’s goal to secure a place in the World Cup final against Spain.

England were aiming for their first World Cup final since 1966 after Gordon put Thomas Tuchel’s side ahead, only for Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to complete the turnaround.

Captain Harry Kane admitted that the defeat was hard to take after England came close again in the finals.

“I’m fed up,” Kane told BBC Sport.

“I’m bored with the boys, I’m overwhelmed by everyone, the team, the staff, the fans, we played a good game for most of them.

“When we were leading 1-0, it seemed like we were just trying to hold on to that at this level, it’s just not enough, so I’m fed up.

“We’ve worked hard to be here. The guys have put in all the running, the sweat, the blood, the tears, whatever it is, so to fail like today is a bummer.”

Tuchel looked closely at tactics

Tuchel’s decision to create defensive gaps after taking the lead has been scrutinised, but Kane insisted the message from the coaching staff was to continue attacking.

“We struggled to get pressure on the ball [after the goal],” said Kane.

“I thought especially in the first half and the beginning of the second half we pressed them well, we put them under pressure, especially at the top of the field which allowed us to win the ball and control the game a little bit.

“After the goal, even if they put more men forward or we couldn’t match them with someone, the wave would have exploded.

“The boys were putting in blocks but in the end it wasn’t enough.”

Kane also dismissed the suggestion that England deliberately pulled away after taking the lead.

“The boys were always ready for any game,” he said.

“When we were leading, the message was that we should get another goal.

“When they scored their two goals it was to try to find something but we didn’t find a way to get back into the game.”