Jude Bellingham was named player of the match in England's goalless World Cup draw with Ghana, but the 22-year-old midfielder told BBC he didn't deserve the award and it should have gone to a Ghana player instead.
Frustrating night for England
It was a frustrating night for the Three Lions, who couldn't find a breakthrough despite dominating possession throughout the match. Harry Kane wasted a golden opportunity to score a late winner, blazing over the crossbar from point-blank range in the closing stages. Clear-cut chances were at a premium for England in a match defined by defensive organisation rather than attacking flair.
Bellingham was voted player of the match, but he looked somewhat embarrassed to be collecting the award. During his BBC interview after the final whistle, he said that he would have preferred it to go to a Ghana player instead.
Bellingham's honest reaction
"I didn't deserve it, to be honest," said Bellingham. "It probably should have gone to one of their lads, they defended so well. Had a couple of moments but it was hard to get in the game. I'm grateful for everyone who voted but probably should have gone to one of their lads they defended so well. Fair play to them. Like always, second game fever isn't it with England. Win the first one, do well and then draw the second one. But it's OK. They played for a draw to see them go through and fair play to them, they did a great job."
Hart praises Bellingham's emotion
Reacting to Bellingham's interview in the BBC studio, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart said: "He's frustrated. We've seen the way he's interviewing, he'd have been so emotional during that game cause that's inside him. You saw it. He went and nailed someone at the end of the first half. That emotion is what makes him the great player he is and the frustration was there. But I love how the boys are giving just deserved credit to Ghana. They were absolutely excellent tonight, they were so strong, so together."
Group stage outlook
England are virtually guaranteed a place in the knockout stages despite failing to beat Ghana, with the Three Lions earning four points from their opening two games. They can still claim top spot in the group with a win against Panama, as long as Ghana don't upset Croatia in the group's final game and overturn England's goal difference advantage.
