Ian Wright defended Jude Bellingham, accusing the media of fabricating a “beef” between the player and England manager Thomas Tuchel following a substitution reaction.
Former England international Ian Wright has publicly defended Jude Bellingham’s reaction to his substitution during the Three Lions’ 2-0 victory over Albania in their World Cup qualifier at Arena Kombetare, according to a report from GiveMeSport.
Bellingham, who was making his first start since June, was visibly unhappy about being replaced by Morgan Rogers in the 84th minute of the match, which was sealed by a second-half brace from Harry Kane.
Wright was quick to hit out at journalists he felt were trying to exaggerate the incident, stating that the manufactured controversy was merely filling a void ahead of the tournament.
Wright said: “They need to create this kind of controversy because there’s nothing else to say until the World Cup, so it’s going to continue like this until the World Cup. They hate the fact that they can’t reach him.
They hate the fact that they can’t negatively influence his club career like they’ve done with so many others before him. A young man blessed, endowed with overflowing talent and love.”
England head coach Thomas Tuchel was also questioned about the Real Madrid star’s behaviour in the post-match interview, which the coach played down. Tuchel confirmed Bellingham’s disappointment but insisted on squad cohesion:
“That is not the image we want to transport because we feel that everyone is committed and everyone also accepts tough decisions – be it before the match or in the match, and it excludes no one.”