Jude Bellingham stood in front of the cameras with a picture that told its own story — uncomfortable, embarrassed, unable to mask his frustration. The 22-year-old had just been named FIFA Player of the Match after England's goalless draw with Ghana in Boston, but he was the last person who thought he deserved it.
"I didn't deserve it, to be honest," Bellingham told the BBC. "It probably should've gone to one of their lads who defended so well. Had a couple of moments but couldn't get in the game."
“Jude Bellingham was embarrassed to be named man of the match after England's 0-0 World Cup draw with Ghana.”
The result leaves Thomas Tuchel with work to do ahead of the third group-stage fixture. England, who beat Croatia in Dallas in their opener, fell into what Bellingham called "second game fever". Ghana, he acknowledged, "played for a draw, which would have seen them go through. Fair play to them. They did a great job."
Harry Kane had a chance to snatch victory at the death but fluffed his lines, summing up a frustrating night for the Three Lions. Earlier, Ezri Konsa made a last-ditch challenge on Ghana's Prince Adu that sparked controversy. Carlos Queiroz, the Ghana boss, was left bemused after Konsa's risky challenge went unpunished, with former Ghana players arguing the defender should have conceded a penalty. "VAR went for a coffee!" one critic said.
Tensions flared on the stroke of half-time when Bellingham made a "silly tackle", igniting a furious argument with Queiroz. Bellingham later said he had "nothing but respect" for the Ghana manager, but the row underscored the heat of the contest.
England also face an injury worry: Declan Rice was spotted limping after the match. The Arsenal midfielder has spoken openly about his ongoing fitness struggles since arriving at the World Cup camp.
Bellingham, despite his self-criticism, showed the competitive streak that makes him special. "My family, team-mates, and the coach who gave me the chance to be at the World Cup," he said when asked who he thinks of when receiving accolades. "I probably didn't deserve this one but grateful nevertheless."
His honesty may keep the fire burning. With Morgan Rogers waiting in the wings, Bellingham will be itching to prove a point against Panama in New Jersey.