The media storm hitting Bellingham

On a night when England completed a flawless qualifying campaign —eight wins in eight games, 22 goals scored and none conceded— the spotlight didn’t fall on the team’s achievement but on Jude Bellingham. The Real Madrid midfielder, named MVP of the victory over Albania, found himself engulfed in a wave of criticism after several claims surfaced during the post-match press conference.

The first four questions posed to Thomas Tuchel focused exclusively on Bellingham. Within minutes, the midfielder was accused of not celebrating Harry Kane’s goal, of showing frustration when substituted, and even of committing an early aggression against an opponent. Three controversies raised without conclusive evidence —but enough to inflame the British press.

Criticism, headlines and accusations with no proof

English newspapers wasted no time. “Tuchel sends Bellingham a warning” was one of the most repeated, while the Daily Mail went all-in with a more explosive front page: “The selfish star shows his true colors again.” The article even suggested his World Cup place should be questioned.

Yet the accusations collapsed one by one. Kane posted a photo celebrating the goal with Bellingham, denying any lack of interest in the 0-2. The alleged protest over the substitution was never caught on camera. Tuchel completely dismissed the supposed minute-10 aggression.
Still, the narrative had already taken hold… and the spotlight on Bellingham only intensified.

Tuchel responds as the debate grows

“Behavior is key,” Tuchel said, downplaying the noise. He explained the substitution was due to the yellow card and the desire to reward Morgan Rogers, and added that he would review the footage.
But none of that softened the media storyline. For many outlets, the simple arm gesture some reporters claimed to have seen —though no camera recorded it— was enough to fuel the “selfish” narrative.

The consequences were immediate: TV debates, editorials questioning whether he should remain a starter, and even a betting company placing a giant billboard outside Wembley reading: “Bellingham shouldn’t be a starter for England.”
He was even booed when coming on against Serbia.

Why England has become obsessed with him

The explanation came from a respected voice: Ian Wright, Arsenal legend.
“They have to create this story because there’s nothing else to talk about. And they hate that they can’t get to him,” he said. “They hate that they can’t negatively influence his career like they’ve done with so many others.”

Bellingham rarely gives interviews, avoids the mixed zone, and —unlike Kane or Rashford— he wasn’t shaped by the Premier League. He left Birmingham City at 16 to begin an international career path that is unusual in England.

His silence, his success abroad and his independence from the English football bubble have turned him into an easy target during slow news cycles.

A world-class talent under fire… but unfazed

At just 21, Jude Bellingham is one of the most influential footballers on the planet and a key figure for England. Yet the British press has made him a recurring target —even on nights where he is unquestionably the best player on the pitch.

As the noise grows, the same dominant, mature version of Bellingham continues to shine for Real Madrid. And while the tabloids try to shape the narrative, he seems determined to ensure his football —not the headlines— tells the true story of his career.