Jude Bellingham dismissed criticism from England head coach Thomas Tuchel after his two goals secured a comeback win over Norway and a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Key facts
- Bellingham scored twice to help England beat Norway and reach the World Cup semi-finals for the fourth time.
- Head coach Thomas Tuchel called the team 'sloppy' and 'not fast enough'.
- Bellingham responded to the criticism by saying: 'Yeah, well, whatever.'
- Norway had taken the lead through Andreas Schjelderup before Bellingham's controversial equaliser just before half-time.
- Fifa said a sensor in the ball showed no evidence it hit an overhead cable during the buildup to the equaliser.
Jude Bellingham has responded sharply to criticism of England’s performance from head coach Thomas Tuchel, after the Real Madrid star scored twice against Norway to book his side a place in the World Cup semi-finals for the fourth time, according to the Guardian.
Tuchel described the team as ‘sloppy’ and ‘not fast enough’ despite the victory. Bellingham, whose two-goal display inspired the comeback, offered a brief and dismissive reply when asked about the assessment: ‘Yeah, well, whatever.’
England had fallen behind after Andreas Schjelderup gave Norway the lead. Bellingham’s performance inspired the comeback, with the midfielder scoring a controversial equaliser just before half-time to level the match.
The equaliser drew scrutiny after replays appeared to show a Norway goal-kick hitting an overhead cable during the buildup. Fifa released a statement saying a sensor in the ball showed no evidence it had touched the cable.
Norway’s coach, Ståle Solbakken, disputed Fifa’s position, saying it was ‘pretty clear’ the ball had made contact with the cable, according to the Guardian.
Why it matters
England reaching another World Cup semi-final is a significant moment for the national team and its supporters. The public disagreement between a star player and the head coach, combined with a disputed goal, adds intrigue as the tournament reaches its decisive stages.
Frequently asked questions
How did England reach the World Cup semi-finals?
England came from behind to beat Norway, inspired by Jude Bellingham's two goals, securing a place in the semi-finals for the fourth time.
Why was Bellingham's equaliser controversial?
Replays appeared to show a Norway goal-kick hitting an overhead cable in the buildup, though Fifa said a sensor in the ball showed no evidence it had touched. Norway's coach said it was 'pretty clear' contact had occurred.
What did Thomas Tuchel say about the performance?
Tuchel described England's display as 'sloppy' and 'not fast enough' despite the win over Norway.