England midfielder Jude Bellingham could be subject to disciplinary proceedings by FIFA after he appeared to strike Argentina’s Valentin Barco on the back of the head following England’s World Cup semi-final defeat in Atlanta.

The incident took place when Barco, who was an unused substitute, ran onto the pitch to celebrate after Enzo Fernandez’s equaliser. He was seen pumping his fists along the 18-yard line before being shoved by England defender John Stones.

Following the final whistle, Bellingham approached Barco, who was celebrating with his teammates, and appeared to slap him on the back of the head.

The former Brighton player then turned around to confront Bellingham, but the two were quickly separated by other players.

It remains uncertain whether FIFA’s disciplinary committee will take action against Bellingham. Any sanction could result in his suspension for the third-place play-off against France in Miami on Saturday.

The tense encounter, which featured 19 fouls and little attacking play in the first half, ended in a heated exchange between players as Argentina celebrated their victory.

Television footage showed Bellingham standing alone on the pitch before shaking hands with members of the opposing team. Moments later, as Barco celebrated with his teammates, Bellingham was seen walking towards the 21-year-old, who did not play in Wednesday’s match, and striking him on the back of the head. Barco quickly pushed Bellingham in response.

Initially, Nico Paz tried to intervene, but the situation escalated as more players from both sides got involved, leading to a brief scuffle.

Earlier footage may explain Bellingham’s frustration. Barco, who is reportedly a transfer target for Chelsea, had been seen sprinting towards the England dugout after Fernandez’s goal, appearing to celebrate directly in front of manager Thomas Tuchel, his staff, and substitutes.

Meanwhile, Downing Street has supported calls for FIFA to investigate whether Argentina’s World Cup squad breached regulations by displaying a banner asserting their claim over the Falkland Islands.

The controversy followed Argentina’s 2-1 victory over England in Atlanta on Wednesday.

No 10’s stance echoed earlier remarks by Business Secretary Peter Kyle, who urged FIFA to “thoroughly” investigate the world champions’ actions.

Argentina supporters celebrated exuberantly after the match, with some near the pitch holding a banner that read “Las Malvinas son Argentinas,” translating to “The Falkland Islands are Argentinian.”

The banner, which refers to the long-standing territorial dispute over the British overseas territory, was later held up by Argentina players as they celebrated their win.

The team could face disciplinary measures for violating Article 34.3 of the tournament’s rules, which forbids players from displaying political messages or slogans before, during, or after matches.

“The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.

“Our position remains unchanged. The right to self-determination lies with the islanders themselves.

“Our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, the spokesperson added: “The Prime Minister wishes both teams well for the final, especially Spain.”

The spokesperson clarified that any disciplinary decision would be “a matter for FIFA.” When asked whether the Prime Minister agreed with his Cabinet colleague’s call for an investigation, she responded: “I would echo that position.”

When asked if Downing Street agreed with Mr Kyle’s description of Argentina’s behaviour as an “egregious violation” of the rules, she said: “Any action taken is for FIFA to decide. I would refer you to the Business Secretary’s comments this morning.”