Enzo Fernández has provoked fresh anger among England fans after sharing an Instagram story featuring Oasis' "Wonderwall" following Argentina's dramatic late comeback in Atlanta — a match in which Fernández levelled and Lautaro Martínez struck a 92nd-minute winner to send Argentina into the World Cup final. Chelsea briefly amplified the controversy by reposting Fernández's celebration on their official account before deleting it amid backlash.
Enzo Fernández sparks social-media storm after Argentina deny England World Cup final place
Enzo Fernández’s post — music, smiles and a nod to a long-running England anthem — has become the latest flashpoint following a gutting late defeat for England.
Fernández scored the crucial equaliser and Lautaro Martínez’s 92nd-minute winner completed a remarkable turnaround in Atlanta, leaving England stunned and Argentine supporters jubilant.
How the match turned
England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon, and looked set to protect a deserved advantage. But Argentina grew into the game as England retreated, allowing Lionel Messi to influence the comeback. Fernández’s stunning goal shifted momentum, and Martínez’s late strike sealed the result in stoppage time, plunging England out of the tournament and sending Argentina through.
Fernández’s celebrations and the social-media reaction
Fernández fuelled the fury by posting a photo with teammates while Oasis’ “Wonderwall” played — a song long linked with England’s fans. The image was later deleted from his Instagram story, but not before it circulated widely online. Chelsea’s official social account briefly shared a post of Fernández celebrating, captioned only with his name and an explosion emoji; that post was also removed after a rapid fan backlash.
Fernández had already drawn attention in-game for a celebratory gesture after his equaliser — covering his ears and mimicking people talking — a moment some saw as provocative. Combined with the subsequent social-media content, the actions have deepened tensions between player and opposing supporters.
Manager comments and tactical fallout
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said his side “smelled blood” when England dropped back, suggesting the visitors’ retreat invited pressure. England’s decision to sit deep after going ahead has been widely criticised as it surrendered control of the game and allowed Argentina to mount a late fightback.
Why this matters beyond the result
The incident underlines how on-field actions now immediately collide with off-field amplification. For Fernández — a Chelsea midfielder who will travel around England next season — the post is unlikely to win him any friends among home supporters. For the national team, the match raises questions about game management when defending a narrow lead at the highest level.
What could happen next
Expect sustained debate over player conduct and social-media responsibility, and renewed scrutiny of England’s tactical choices in high-pressure games.
For Argentina, momentum and morale are obvious takeaways; for England, the result and its aftermath will be examined closely as they regroup and plan repairs ahead of the next competitive cycle.
Mirror
