Quote · The Rest Is Football
Bellingham saves England and sets up semi-final v Argentina and Messi
Where this was said
Tuchel vs Bellingham: The Media-Made Rift
At 17:00 · chapter starts 15:55
Gary Lineker shares the post-match quotes and a subtle drama emerges. Tuchel told reporters England were sloppy, technically poor, not fast enough, and lucky — a remarkably candid verdict from a manager who just won. Bellingham, presented with Tuchel's comments in the mixed zone but not the full context, questioned how anyone could know how to play in 34-degree heat after 120 minutes. Lineker quickly defuses it: journalists gave Bellingham only half the quote. What they omitted was Bellingham's strong defence of his team's mentality, which he credited for getting them over the line. McCoist closes it out simply: any suggestion of a Bellingham-Tuchel fallout is nonsense, and the media should not be trying to create one. [1] — Gary Lineker "Thomas Tuchel called England's performance sloppy, lucky and technically poor. Bellingham, presented with that view, said he doesn't know h…" 15:55
Thomas Tuchel said England were 'sloppy', 'not fast enough', 'not repetitive enough' and 'lucky' despite winning — a remarkably candid verdict.
Thomas Tuchel called England's performance sloppy, lucky and technically poor. Bellingham, presented with that view, said he doesn't know how to play in the heat. Lineker says journalists lit the fuse but it's a non-story — Bellingham actually defended his team's mentality strongly.
England haven't played well all tournament. Neither did Croatia in 2018 after the group stage. In knockout football, performing on the biggest occasion is what separates champions from also-rans — and England have two players capable of doing exactly that.
