Carlos Queiroz has blamed Jude Bellingham for initiating a furious bust-up during England's World Cup stalemate against Ghana. The Three Lions were held to a goalless draw and must beat Panama on Saturday to guarantee top spot in their group.
Queiroz explains confrontation
Ghana's disciplined low block frustrated England, particularly in the first half when Thomas Tuchel's side failed to register a shot on target. As the interval approached, tempers flared between Queiroz and Bellingham.
The row erupted after the Real Madrid star committed a foul just before the break, barging Jerome Opoku in front of the dugout. Bellingham was held back by teammate Morgan Rogers as Ghana's assistant coach John Paintsil got involved and started hurling insults.
Asked to explain the confrontation after the game, the former Manchester United assistant said: 'First my intention was to tell him to cool down with that tackle that he did. It could be a second yellow card or red card, it was clear because he went his foot against our player. But my first role was to cool down because I was worried that that player was not 100% out. He had a bad reaction with some bad names and that's why the story started.'
Bellingham's reaction
Despite being taken off midway through the second period, Bellingham still did enough to earn the man of the match award, though he felt he didn't deserve it. 'It probably should've gone to one of their lads who defended so well,' he said. 'I had a couple of moments but couldn't get in the game. I'm grateful to whoever voted.'
He added: 'Second game fever isn't it with England, isn't it? Win the first one and draw the second. It's OK. I think they played for a draw, which would have seen them go through. Fair play to them. They did a great job.'
Kane misses chance
Captain Harry Kane spurned England's best chance late on, lashing over from close range after Nico O'Reilly's header hit the crossbar. 'Maybe just a little bit of quality but these games are tough,' said Kane. 'I've played in these types of games, a lot of us have. Sometimes you need an early goal to open up the match, for them to come out but as the game goes longer at 0-0, they believe more and defend more with their heart. We still had chances towards the end there. I'm backing myself to score more often than not. One of those but I've lived the striker life long enough to know they're not always going to go in. I back myself nine times out of 10 but it just didn't fall my way today. We wanted that second win today but it weren't to be. But overall we're in a good position and we look forward to the next one.'
