Jude Bellingham responds as Thomas Tuchel tears into 'every sense' of England performance in World Cup quarter-final win over Norway - 'Whatever'

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Thomas Tuchel laid into the display of his England side, despite The Three Lions reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Jude Bellingham dismissed the thoughts of his boss, after scoring twice to inspire the 2-1 win over Norway.

'Maybe he doesn't know what it's like' - Bellingham fires back at Tuchel

Video credit: SNTV

England reached the semi-finals of a major tournament for the fourth time since 2018, but it was a tough slog in humid Miami - with Harry Kane describing the conditions as "really brutal" - to get there.

Norway, who overcame Brazil in the previous round, provided a stern test and took the lead through a cross-cum-shot from Andreas Schjelderup.

Norway then really should have gone two goals ahead, but Alexander Sorloth squandered the chance to square to an open Erling Haaland on the break.

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England made them pay, largely thanks to Bellingham. The Real Madrid superstar got England back on level terms with a superb run past his man and finish with his left boot.

Norway took the tie to extra-time, when Bellingham yet again proved the hero. The No. 10 was quickest to pounce on a parry from Morgan Rogers' long-range effort.

Bellingham has now struck six times in as many games at this World Cup, including another brace in the previous round, against Mexico at the imposing Azteca.

Speaking about his star man - with whom the relationship has long been under the spotlight - Tuchel told ITV: "Enough said. He does it every single match. World class."

However, the German coach was far less complimentary about the rest of his side.

In a very animated interview, he said: "We made life very difficult for ourselves today. The result is fantastic. We’re in the last four. It’s amazing but I’m not happy with the performance. In every sense.

"Again, the commitment is there, but we made life very, very difficult in the way we played. Sloppy. A lot of technical mistakes. Not fast enough. Not repetitive enough. We were lucky today."

Bellingham - who, like his manager, is a fiery character - snapped back at the criticism. When Tuchel's quotes were put to him, the midfielder told 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."

The 23-year-old went on to suggest that Tuchel's comments are not in keeping with the "positive environment" of the dressing room.

He told the assembled media in the mixed zone: "Maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in those kind of conditions against Erling Haaland, [Martin] Odegaard, [Antonio] Nusa, Sorloth.

"That's not an easy team to play against. So, you know, I think we've tried to create a positive environment, and we should continue that going into the final four."

Tuchel did praise the team's mental fortitude, though, as well as his substitutes.

"How could you ask about mentality? This is pure mentality," Tuchel said.

"You can bottle it up and sell it. It’s the quality of our games. That’s it. It has nothing to do with mentality.

"Reece James was excellent. Morgan Rogers was fantastic. [Eberechi Eze] grew into the game. Djed [Spence] grew into the game. Full credit to them, but overall we got lucky today.

"It’s about the score, but it’s also about quality. We will get better. We need to get better. Now is all about the celebration. Take it all in.

"We have three days. We need everything. We need a better performance."

Bellingham also hailed the "character" and "perseverance" of England, heaping praise on the achievement of making the final four, in which they will play old rivals Argentina.

"Whether it’s in 90 or 120, we will give everything we’ve got. You saw that there," Bellingham said.

"Whoever was ready to come on came on and smashed it. So proud of this team, once again we’re in a World Cup semi-final.

"It was a victory for everyone. The whole country wins. Everyone is behind us. All the players are here, the staff. Credit to everyone. It’s a huge shift by everyone.

[Spence, Elliot Anderson and Dan Burn were] warriors. They didn’t look like they were new to it. All three of them and whoever else came on were just top level.

"There’s one thing to have quality, which all the lads in the group do. But you don’t know how much mentality and how much heart they've got until we’re in a situation like that."

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