Jude Bellingham appeared to hit back at Thomas Tuchel live on television after England booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway. The Real Madrid star scored both goals as the Three Lions came from behind in Miami, but the post-match focus quickly shifted to an extraordinary exchange between England's star player and his manager.
Tuchel criticises performance despite win
Speaking to ITV moments after the final whistle, Tuchel criticised his side's performance despite the result, insisting England had been 'lucky' and admitting he was unhappy with what he had seen. 'The result is fantastic, we're in the last four, it's amazing, but no, I'm not happy with the performance,' Tuchel said. 'We made life very difficult for ourselves. Sloppy, a lot of technical mistakes, not fast enough, not repetitive enough. We were lucky today.'
The England boss also rejected suggestions the display was down to mentality, adding: 'It's nothing to do with mentality. The quality of our game.'
Bellingham's blunt response
However, when Bellingham was interviewed shortly afterwards and told about his manager's comments, he offered a blunt response. 'Yeah, well, whatever. Whatever,' he replied. 'It's difficult out there. It's a tough shift. All the players have put in a very tough shift. My thoughts and appreciation go to the players who have put in a tough shift once again.'
The 23-year-old later expanded on his views after collecting the player of the match award, suggesting Tuchel may have underestimated the challenge England faced. 'Maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sorloth,' Bellingham said. 'That's not an easy team to play against. We've tried to create a positive environment. You're not going to win every game making a thousand passes. Sometimes you have to win dirty, and we've done that again tonight.'
Asked whether he agreed with Tuchel's suggestion England had been fortunate to progress, Bellingham simply replied: 'No comment.'
Pundits react to exchange
The exchange quickly became a major talking point among ITV's pundits. Gary Neville said: 'I love both interviews. Thomas Tuchel's was fantastic, I think Jude Bellingham's response was brilliant.' Roy Keane added: 'The manager's being honest, and the player's being honest.' Former England captain Wayne Rooney, meanwhile, sided with Tuchel, arguing the manager was right to publicly challenge his players despite reaching the last four.
England now face Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals as they continue their bid to win the tournament.
