Tuchel criticism irks Bellingham after England reach World Cup semi-finals | OneFootball

England head coach Thomas Tuchel criticised his side despite sealing a World Cup semi-final place, drawing a sharp response from Jude Bellingham.

The Three Lions reached the last four for the fourth time in their history after edging Norway in a tie that went to extra time, with Bellingham scoring twice.

Tuchel said England had made life needlessly difficult, calling the result fantastic but the display unsatisfactory. He described his team as lucky and sloppy, too cautious, not quick enough and not efficient, and said they must improve. He added that it was time to celebrate the achievement, with three days before their next test.

“Yeah, well, whatever. It is tough out there, it is a gruelling match. Every player had a gruelling match. My thoughts and thanks go to the players on the pitch who produced a superb match,” he said on ITV. “Maybe he does not know what it is to play against a team with Haaland, Odegaard, Nusa, Sorloth.”

Asked later about the exchange, Tuchel said no one questioned the players’ intensity or work. He praised their belief and resilience in finding ways to win, saying they would never get enough credit for that, but maintained England could play better. He felt the game was not of a very high level and that his team have produced stronger performances.

Source: Le Progres