Tuchel defends Bellingham after half-time altercation with Ghana

England manager Thomas Tuchel defended Jude Bellingham after the midfielder was involved in a heated exchange with Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz at half-time of Tuesday's goalless international friendly in Boston.

Bellingham had to be pulled away by teammate Morgan Rogers as he confronted Queiroz and his backroom staff. The incident followed a foul in which Bellingham shoved Ghana's Jerome Opoku, and tensions escalated after the referee blew for half-time. The confrontation continued as players and coaches walked across the field toward the tunnel at Boston Stadium.

Tuchel's reaction

“It was an exchange of emotions, and Jude stood up for himself and his team,” Tuchel said. “Emotions are a part of the game but we don't want to get distracted with stuff that could distract us.” No cards were shown, and tensions appeared to subside by the time the second half resumed.

Queiroz offered a different perspective. “He had a bad reaction with some bad names and that's why the story started,” the Ghana coach said.

Bellingham's account

Bellingham, 22, who became the youngest England player to reach 50 caps in Boston, downplayed the incident. “It was just when I made a silly tackle, to be honest,” he said. “I was trying to win the ball, and I followed through a little bit and caught the lad. I spoke to him after, and then their bench jumped up trying to get me a yellow card. I think their manager [Queiroz] I just recognised him. He's obviously the one who used to be at Manchester United, so great respect, and nothing but a competitive edge for both of us.”

The midfielder was sent off in February for using foul and abusive language while playing for Real Madrid.

England's World Cup campaign

The draw keeps England top of Group L, and they are guaranteed to qualify for the last 32 if they avoid defeat against Panama on Saturday. However, the performance was a reality check after their opening 4-2 win over Croatia. Ghana spent long periods in a defensive shape and kept Tuchel's side at bay.

Bellingham's place in the starting XI was uncertain before the World Cup, with Tuchel saying he had to fight for his position. Their relationship has been under scrutiny; Tuchel described Bellingham's on-field behavior during a June defeat to Senegal as “repulsive,” a remark he later apologized for. In November, Tuchel said he would “review” Bellingham's behavior after his reaction to being substituted in a qualifier against Albania.

Bellingham started and scored against Croatia before being named player of the match against Ghana. After receiving the award, he told the BBC: “I didn't deserve it, to be honest. It probably should've gone to one of their lads who defended so well. Had a couple of moments but couldn't get in the game. I'm grateful to whoever voted.”