Frank Leboeuf has told Jude Bellingham to 'shut up' after the Real Madrid midfielder publicly responded to Thomas Tuchel's criticism of England's World Cup quarter-final performance against Norway. The 23-year-old scored twice in a 2-1 win in Miami on Saturday night to send the Three Lions into the semi-finals, but his post-match comments have sparked a heated debate.
Bellingham hits back at Tuchel
After the match, Bellingham was informed of Tuchel's scathing remarks, where the manager said he was 'not happy with the performance – in every sense.' The midfielder reacted sharply, telling ITV: 'Yeah, well… whatever. Whatever. It's difficult out there. It's a tough shift. All the players are putting in a tough shift. So my thoughts and appreciation go to the players who put in a good shift out there.'
Speaking later in the mixed zone, Bellingham added: 'Maybe he [Tuchel] doesn't know what it's like to play in those conditions against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Odegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, [Alexander] Sorloth… they're not an easy team to play against. I think we have tried to create a positive environment and will continue that into the final four. I can't speak highly enough of the lads. You can't win every game popping the ball and making 1,000 passes, sometimes you have to win dirty and we did that today.'
Leboeuf warns Bellingham could be benched
Frank Leboeuf, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, has warned Bellingham that his comments could lead to him being dropped for the semi-final against Argentina. Speaking on ESPN, the former Chelsea defender said: 'Tuchel is doing that [criticising the team] because he did that last time and you're going through so you can say that you were sometimes unhappy with the team. John Stones made a mistake and Haaland nearly scored, mistakes by Noni Madueke and some others… But I don't understand why Jude has to respond to what the coach said.'
When it was put to Leboeuf that Bellingham was simply answering a question, he snapped back: 'But don't answer! I wouldn't answer! There is a hierarchy. The coach says whatever he wants, you shut up! You shut up and you don't comment on what your coach had to say. I'm sorry, it never works like that. Maybe he feels he's in a very strong position and I think he is, but he could be on the bench for the next game because you don't have to comment on what your coach is saying. Maybe he [Tuchel] is saying stupid things, but you keep it to yourself. You don't comment publicly what your coach has said.'
Neville backs Bellingham's response
By contrast, Gary Neville said the feud between player and manager was only helping England's World Cup campaign. 'I love both interviews. Thomas Tuchel's was fantastic. Jude Bellingham's response was absolutely brilliant,' the former Manchester United and England right-back told ITV. 'What you've seen in those two interviews are massive egos, world-class players and managers. You have to be exceptional to do what those two have done. In a player for England in five tournaments, I never saw that level of angst. I never saw a manager challenge the players or a player challenge the managers. It was nicey-nicey. What we've seen there is very good for England.'
Bellingham and Tuchel have had a tense relationship since the German replaced Sir Gareth Southgate, and heading into the tournament, it was speculated that the midfielder would be benched in favour of Morgan Rogers. England now face Argentina in the semi-finals next week.
