England manager Thomas Tuchel has defended Jude Bellingham following a heated touchline row with Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz at the 2026 World Cup.
The incident unfolded at half-time of England’s goalless draw with Ghana, which kept the Three Lions top of Group L.
Bellingham had to be pulled away by team-mate Morgan Rogers as he engaged with Queiroz and his backroom staff near the tunnel at Boston Stadium.
The confrontation was sparked shortly after Bellingham shoved Jerome Opoku in a foul, with tensions boiling over as the referee blew for half-time.
The fall-out continued as players and coaches made their way across the field and towards the dressing rooms.
Tuchel was quick to stand by his midfielder, saying: “It was an exchange of emotions, and Jude stood up for himself and his team.”
The England boss added: “Emotions are a part of the game but we don’t want to get distracted with stuff that could distract us.”
No cards were shown during the incident, and the atmosphere had calmed considerably by the time the second half got underway.
Queiroz offered his own account of events, saying: “He had a bad reaction with some bad names and that’s why the story started.”
Bellingham, who became the youngest England player to reach 50 caps during the match, was keen to play down the situation after being named player of the match.
The 22-year-old said: “It was just when I made a silly tackle, to be honest.”
He continued: “I was trying to win the ball, and I followed through a little bit and caught the lad. I spoke to him after, and then their bench jumped up trying to get me a yellow card.”
Bellingham also acknowledged Queiroz with respect, adding: “I think their manager I just recognised him. He’s obviously the one who used to be at Manchester United, so great respect, and nothing but a competitive edge for both of us.”
Despite his player of the match award, Bellingham was self-critical about his own performance, telling the BBC: “I didn’t deserve it, to be honest. It probably should’ve gone to one of their lads who defended so well.”
He added: “Had a couple of moments but couldn’t get in the game. I’m grateful to whoever voted.”
The relationship between Tuchel and Bellingham has been closely scrutinised, with Tuchel previously describing Bellingham’s conduct during last June’s defeat by Senegal as “repulsive,” a remark he later apologised for.
In November, Tuchel said he would “review” Bellingham’s behaviour after the midfielder reacted badly to being substituted during a qualifier against Albania.
Bellingham had also been sent off for using foul and abusive language while playing for Real Madrid in February, adding further context to ongoing questions about his discipline.
England remain on course to reach the last 32, with qualification guaranteed if they avoid defeat against Panama on Saturday.
