Former England captain Gary Lineker has launched a powerful defence of Jude Bellingham following criticism of the midfielder's reaction to being substituted during England's World Cup qualifier against Albania.
Lineker's Passionate Instagram Defence
The Match of the Day host took to his Instagram story to share a post from the official UEFA Euro account showing Bellingham's highlights from the Albania match. Alongside it, Lineker wrote a caption that left no doubt about his feelings towards the ongoing criticism.
"He's so bloody good at football," Lineker stated. "Works his socks off. A winner. Please don't believe the nonsense being said or written about @judebellingham. It will not be true."
The Albania Incident and Tuchel's Response
The controversy stems from Bellingham's response to being replaced by Morgan Rogers in the 83rd minute of England's World Cup qualifier against Albania. The 22-year-old Real Madrid sensation had been recalled to the England squad by manager Thomas Tuchel for November's fixtures.
After making a significant impact as a substitute in the 2-0 win against Serbia, Bellingham returned to the starting line-up against Albania. While Tuchel didn't directly criticise the player for his reaction to being substituted, the England head coach admitted the incident would be 'reviewed' and emphasised that 'behaviour is key' for the national team.
Ian Wright's Powerful Racism Allegations
Lineker's defence comes just hours after another former England international, Ian Wright, delivered an emotional defence of the midfielder. Wright claimed that ongoing criticism of Bellingham is heavily rooted in racism.
"I don't think they're ready for a black superstar," Wright stated passionately. "Who can move like Jude [Bellingham] is moving? They can't touch him. He goes out there, he performs, he does what he does, he says; 'Who else'? It's too uppity for these people."
Wright contrasted Bellingham's personality with that of other black players, suggesting that those who display confidence and outspokenness face different treatment. "If you get a [Paul] Pogba, or a Bellingham, and you get that kind of energy, that does not sit well with the people," he explained.
The former Arsenal striker didn't mince words about what he perceives as the underlying issue: "He can't see a black man doing what Jude is doing and not think that it's not uppity. That he's not an uppity n*****. I'm going with that. That's what that comes down to."
World Cup Qualification Secured
Despite the recent controversy, England have successfully secured qualification for the summer's World Cup. The Three Lions won't be back in action until the March international break, which will provide Tuchel with his final opportunity to assess players before making decisions about his squad selection for the tournament.
Bellingham remains seen as a crucial player for England's hopes of success in the upcoming World Cup, though reports suggest his personality has caused some tension within the England dressing room.
The March international break will be particularly significant as it represents Tuchel's last chance to evaluate his options before finalising his World Cup squad selection.
