Jude Bellingham hit back at boss Thomas Tuchel’s damning analysis of England’s performance in their 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win against Norway and called for positivity.
Bellingham was the star of the show with two goals as England overcame the extreme Miami heat to come from behind, banking his fourth man of the match award from six games.
Tuchel’s side had to do it the hard way against the Scandinavians, requiring extra-time to eventually book their fourth World Cup semi-final, and the German said he was “not happy with the performance”.
The Real Madrid star did not take that lying down and challenged his manager’s view.
“Maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, (Martin) Odegaard, (Antonio) Nusa, (Alexander) Sorloth.
“That’s not an easy team to play against.
“So, I think we’ve tried to create a positive environment.
“We should continue that going into the final four. I can’t speak highly enough of the lads.
“You’re not going to win every game, popping the ball and making a thousand passes. Sometimes you have to win dirty, and we’ve done that again tonight.”
Asked whether he agreed with Tuchel’s assessment that England were lucky, he replied: “No comment.”
Tuchel responded to Bellingham’s comments and insisted there is no disconnect between him and the players.
“Absolutely, no one disputes that. I am impressed with the shift that they put in,” he said, referring to playing in searing heat.
“The effort, team spirit, the belief and to overcome adversity and to dig in and find ways to win is on the absolutely highest level. They cannot get enough praise for that.
“But I’m also a football coach and I think we can play better.
“In general, I think it was not a high-level game. I think we had better games in general.”
He continued: “We had a lot of momentum swings for both teams, so, yeah, full credit to the team. We found a way. We’re in the last four.
“This is, of course, the most important but the analysing head of me and the football coach in me still thinks that we can and have to play better football.”
“My heart, there is no doubt, I am proud and happy and I feel so connected to this team because they just do whatever it takes to take the next step.
“A lot of things we can do better, which is not a problem, but no disconnect from me to my team, not one per cent. I am full with my heart and fully in lve with my players and my team and the way they perform.”
Bellingham drew level with Harry Kane on six goals for the tournament, having almost single-handedly dragged his side through with a second successive brace.
The 23-year-old said it was beyond his wildest dreams to be the star man at such a big stage, but he was ready to share the praise.
“Yeah, probably a bit beyond, to be honest,” he said. “I’m a confident boy, but I don’t think you go to bed at night dreaming about games like that.
“So, it’s nice to have an impact and to help my team. But my God, the effort of those lads in there.
“I’m so proud of how they keep battling, regardless of what situations we find ourselves in.
“They can be really proud, and I know they are. And I’ll make sure they feel that as well.”
PA
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