Here’s the latest update from the ongoing FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-12 06:34:00.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Jude Bellingham praised England’s fighting spirit and their ability to “win dirty” after coach Thomas Tuchel criticized their performance against Norway on Saturday. The Three Lions overcame a 1-0 deficit to secure a 2-1 victory in extra time at Hard Rock Stadium, with Bellingham scoring both goals to set up a semifinal clash with Argentina, who defeated Switzerland later that day.
Tuchel’s Mixed Review
While Tuchel acknowledged his team’s resolve in bouncing back from Andreas Schjelderup’s 36th-minute opener, he initially stated that England was “lucky” to secure the win after a “sloppy” display. Bellingham was quick to respond when asked about Tuchel’s comments by ITV Sport, saying, “Yeah well, whatever. It’s a tough shift, so my thoughts and appreciation go to the players who’ve put a tough shift out there.”
Later in the mixed zone, Bellingham elaborated on Tuchel’s remarks, suggesting that the coach might not fully understand the challenges posed by teams like Norway, featuring notable players like Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard. “That’s not an easy team to play against,” he added.
A Positive Mindset Moving Forward
Bellingham emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive environment as England advances in the tournament. “We should continue that into the final four. You’re not going to win every game by making a thousand passes. Sometimes, you have to win dirty,” he stated.
In addition to facing formidable opponents, England also had to contend with South Florida’s oppressive heat, with temperatures soaring to 92 degrees Fahrenheit (33 Celsius) during warm-ups.
In his postmatch press conference, Tuchel attempted to clarify his stance on the game. He expressed pride in his team’s resilience but also recognized the need for improvement. “A top performance helps you win games. I stand by my view that we can play faster and more clinically,” he said, noting the presence of unforced errors that affected the team’s confidence.
Looking ahead to the challenge of reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, Tuchel reaffirmed his complete connection with the players. “I am fully in love with my players and my team and the way they perform,” he remarked.
Jude Bellingham, now tied with Harry Kane for six goals in the tournament, is just behind France’s Kylian Mbappé and Argentina’s Lionel Messi. He previously scored twice in the round of 16 as England triumphed over co-hosts Mexico.
FAQs
What did Jude Bellingham say about Thomas Tuchel’s criticism?
Bellingham acknowledged the challenge of the game and praised his teammates for their effort, implying Tuchel may not fully understand the difficulties faced during the match.
When is England’s next match in the tournament?
England’s next match will be a semifinal showdown, where they aim to reach their second World Cup final since 1966.
Quick Facts
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- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-07-12 06:34:00
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Tags: #Jude #Bellingham #backs #England #stars #Thomas #Tuchel #criticism
Tags: #Jude #Bellingham #backs #England #stars #Thomas #Tuchel #criticism
