Spanish media raise concerns over Bellingham's shoulder injury after England's 2-1 win over Norway

Updated: 16:50, 12 Jul 2026 By: Kieran Horn, Digital Sports Journalist

Injury concerns over Jude Bellingham have been sparked after he grabbed his shoulder twice during and after England's World Cup quarter-final victory over Norway.

Bellingham scored both goals in England's 2-1 win, but there are claims he may have aggravated a previous injury.

Shoulder Issue Resurfaces

The 23-year-old missed Real Madrid's first four La Liga games in the 2025/26 season after undergoing a procedure on his shoulder last summer and may still be bothered by the issue.

The first sign of possible pain came during a hydration break, with an image circulating of Bellingham putting pressure on that area while in discussion with head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Following the full-time whistle, he was also captured stretching before speaking to reporters in the mixed zone. Spanish outlet Diario AS continued recording Bellingham as he approached the microphones, with the attacking midfielder later clutching at his shoulder blade.

World Cup Form Unaffected

Bellingham has shown no signs of the injury stopping him so far at the World Cup. He reached new heights on Saturday, scoring six goals in the tournament after his stunning brace against Norway.

Post-Match Exchange with Tuchel

Despite his heroics, a spiky back-and-forth between Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel during separate TV interviews has dominated the headlines. Tuchel had described his side's performance as "sloppy, lucky" and not good enough in "every sense."

Bellingham was told of Tuchel's comments and responded:

"Yeah, well. Whatever, whatever. It's difficult out there. It's a tough shift. All the players are putting in a very tough shift. My thoughts and appreciation goes to the players who were out there and put in a great shift yet again.

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"Maybe he doesn't know what it is like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth. That's not an easy team to play against."

Outlook

Bellingham is arguably at his best when playing on the edge and with a bit of arrogance. Considering his performances overseas thus far, it is clear that Tuchel is getting the best out of him, and this incident is unlikely to cause a rift between the two.

For England to reach the World Cup final, Bellingham will almost certainly be needed at his best. Argentina has been confirmed as their opponents in the final four after their extra-time triumph over Switzerland.

Related Reading:

• Jude Bellingham hits back at Thomas Tuchel in ITV interview as unhappy boss slams England stars
• Norway boss responds to FIFA statement over Spidercam England goal controversy