Jude Bellingham has hit back at England manager Thomas Tuchel after the German described the team’s performance against Norway as “lucky”, insisting the boss “maybe doesn’t know” what it’s like. The remarkable interview, in which Bellingham took aim at his own manager, laid bare tensions just days before England face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
The confrontation came hours after Bellingham’s brace secured a 2-1 extra-time win over Norway in the quarter-final, keeping England’s hopes of a first World Cup victory in 60 years alive. That prospect has prompted the government to consider an extra bank holiday should the team triumph, with Friday 24 July earmarked for a celebration.
“Jude Bellingham hits back at Thomas Tuchel after 'lucky' remark as England face Argentina in World Cup semi-final”
Sir Keir Starmer, asked about the potential holiday at the Nato summit in Ankara last week, refused to confirm it but hinted it was on the cards. “I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final,” he told reporters. Andy Burnham had earlier called the speculation “a bit premature” after England’s strained win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kemi Badenoch said she would probably not back the holiday, arguing “the private sector would still be working and the public sector would take the day off”.
England’s path to the final now runs through Argentina, a rivalry etched with iconic World Cup moments. The two foes will lock horns on Wednesday night, with the winner meeting either France or Spain in Sunday’s final. Bellingham, who also scored the equaliser against Norway after Andreas Schjelderup had put Norway ahead, has carried the weight of a nation. But his public disagreement with Tuchel has added an unexpected twist ahead of the biggest game of the tournament.
