Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez labelled ‘Public Enemy No.1’ after Argentina defeat England

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been branded “PUBLIC ENEMY NO.1” by the English newspaper the Mirror after helping Argentina beat England 2-1 in the 2026 World Cup semi-final.

Fernandez was one of the main figures in a match that ended England’s hopes of continuing in the tournament. The Argentina international scored during his side’s victory, further intensifying the reaction among English supporters and turning him into a target for criticism in the country where he plays his club football.

The Mirror placed a large image of Fernandez on its front page alongside the headline “PUBLIC ENEMY NO.1”. The wording reflected the anger expected to greet the Chelsea midfielder when he returns to action for his club in England.

The newspaper also highlighted comments from Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate Moises Caicedo. The Ecuador international defended Fernandez and said the midfielder had enough personality and experience to deal with the criticism and the hostile reception that may await him.

The Mirror additionally described Fernandez as a “wind-up merchant”, a phrase used for players who are particularly effective at provoking opponents and supporters. The report suggested the Argentina midfielder would not allow the atmosphere surrounding him to affect his performances.

Fernandez’s role in Argentina’s victory has placed him under the spotlight ahead of his return to the English Premier League with Chelsea. Although the description of him as the English public’s “number one enemy” was expressed in deliberately dramatic newspaper language, it underlined the strength of feeling created by his display against England.

The semi-final brought an end to the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign and ensured that Fernandez’s next appearances for Chelsea would attract particular attention. His return to club football is therefore expected to be closely watched as the new season begins, with supporters in England reacting to the player who helped eliminate their national team.

The response is centred on Fernandez’s contribution to Argentina’s 2-1 win, especially his goal in the last-four meeting. For Chelsea, it means one of their midfielders is set to return from international duty carrying a level of scrutiny generated not by a club match, but by a decisive World Cup encounter between Argentina and England.

Caicedo’s support provides a defence of his team-mate before that return. His comments, as reported by the Mirror, emphasised Fernandez’s ability to handle pressure and confront difficult circumstances, while the newspaper’s choice of language portrayed the player as someone capable of provoking strong emotions among rival supporters.

Fernandez will now face the prospect of resuming his Chelsea career in an unusually charged atmosphere. The attention surrounding him is a direct consequence of Argentina’s semi-final success and England’s elimination, with the midfielder’s performance ensuring he remains at the centre of the story before the new campaign gets under way.