England legend Ian Wright has slammed the media for trying to create an issue for Jude Bellingham after the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Albania. He believes the journalists are looking to create stories because they do not have anything else to cover with the national team until next summer’s tournament.
Taking to Instagram, Wright posted a comment on the BBC’s reel, in which England manager Thomas Tuchel was quizzed about Bellingham’s behavior after the second goal. The Real Madrid star was unhappy with being taken off and did not celebrate Morgan Rogers’ goal.
Tuchel spoke about the incident, admitting that he has not seen it and will have to review it. He said:
“I have to review it. I saw he was not happy, I don’t want to make it bigger at the moment than it is. My words stand, we are about standards, level and commitment to each other and respect to each other. We will not change or decision just because someone waves their arms.”
Wright was furious with the question and hit out at the journalist for trying to create controversy. He said:
“They need to create this kind of beef because there’s nothing else to talk about till the World Cup so it’s gonna be this all the way to the World Cup. They hate that they can’t get to him. They hate that they can’t negatively influence his club career like they have done to so many before him. A blessed young man with talent and love in abundance.”
Jude Bellingham was a booking away from getting a one-match ban for the FIFA World Cup opener.
England manager sends message to Jude Bellingham
England manager Thomas Tuchel spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live after the game, revealing he would not make it a big issue. However, he sent a clear message to Jude Bellingham and said:
“I don’t want to make more out of it but I stick to my words – ‘behaviour is key’ and respect towards the team-mates who come in. Decisions are made and you have to accept it as a player.”
“Morgan Rogers was for sure not happy when he couldn’t start today because he deserves to play for us and he wants to play all the time. We gave him a bit of a rest because he came with a lot of minutes for his club and played against Serbia.”
Jude Bellingham returns to Real Madrid this week ahead of their key clashes against Elche and Olympiacos in the next 10 days.
Edited by Sripad