US- Midfielder Jude Bellingham feels undeserving of player of match award in England 0-0 draw with Ghana in World Cup 2026 Group L second match. - VnExpress

Bellingham: 'I did not deserve player of match award'

US. Midfielder Jude Bellingham felt he did not deserve to be chosen player of match in England's 0-0 draw with Ghana in second round of Group L, World Cup 2026.

Harry Kane (9) and Jude Bellingham (10) in England's 0-0 draw with Ghana in second round of Group L, World Cup 2026 at Boston stadium in US, June 23, 2026. Photo: AP

Harry Kane (9) and Jude Bellingham (10) in England's 0-0 draw with Ghana in second round of Group L, World Cup 2026 at Boston stadium in US, June 23, 2026. Photo: AP

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England started tournament with 4-2 victory over Croatia. But at Boston, Thomas Tuchel's side could not overcome resilient Ghana.

"Three Lions" had 19 shots, 3 on target. Most notable chance was Nico O'Reilly's header off crossbar in 89th minute, before Harry Kane sent rebound over bar. Meanwhile, Bellingham was substituted in 73rd minute, but was still chosen by FIFA as "player of match". Midfielder, born 2003, felt unhappy about this.

"To be honest, I did not deserve this award," Bellingham told BBC Sport. "Maybe it should have gone to Ghana player. They defended well and deserved honor."

In fact, rating sites gave Bellingham average scores, while Marc Guehi was rated highest for England. Meanwhile, Ghana had Thomas Partey and defender Jerome Opoku receiving high scores.

Bellingham believed Ghana played for draw against England, after beating Panama in opening match. With 4 points, African representative has bright chance of advancing, even if they lose to Croatia in final match and drop to third.

Real midfielder also became center of controversy. Right after first half ended, he had heated argument with Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz and assistant John Paintsil, related to foul on Opoku. Speaking to Mail Sports, lip-reading analyst Nicola Hickling suggested all three individuals used profanity.

"I wanted to tell Bellingham to calm down. He kicked my player's leg," Queiroz told ITV. "He swore and that increased tension. That is football. It is not dancing in pub in fancy suits."

England midfielder also admitted it was silly tackle, but he was trying to win ball. Bellingham said: "After collision, I spoke with Opoku, then people in Ghana technical area jumped up demanding yellow card for me. I recognized their coach, because he used to work at Man Utd, so I have respect. We are both highly competitive."

Carlos Queiroz started career at Old Trafford in 2002, before moving to manage Real. He returned to Man Utd from July 2004 to July 2008. After that, 73-year-old coach managed national teams, including Portugal, Iran, Colombia, Egypt, Qatar, and Oman, before coming to Ghana.