Jude Bellingham, the England national football team player, responded to the sharp criticism leveled by Thomas Tuchel, the team's head coach, about the team's performance in the match that England won against Norway 2-1 in the World Cup quarterfinals, calling for positivity.

The British news agency (PA Media) reported that Bellingham was the man of the match by scoring two goals, as England managed to overcome the extremely hot conditions in Miami and come from behind, to win the 'Man of the Match' award for the fourth time in six matches so far.

England had to fight their way through against the Scandinavian team, needing extra time to secure qualification to the World Cup semifinals for the fourth time in their history, while the German coach said he was 'not satisfied with the performance'.

The Real Madrid star did not accept this assessment silently, but objected to his coach's point of view. Bellingham said: 'Maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in such conditions against Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Antonio Nusa, and Alexander Sørloth.' He added: 'This is not an easy team to play against. Therefore, I think we tried to create a positive environment.' He continued: 'We must continue on this path, as we head into the semifinals. I cannot praise my teammates enough.' He asserted: 'You don't win every match by passing the ball a thousand times. Sometimes you have to win by any means, and we did that again tonight.' When asked if he agreed with Tuchel's assessment that England were lucky, he replied: 'No comment.'

Tuchel responded to Bellingham's comments, stressing that there is no gap between him and his players. He said, referring to playing in extreme heat: 'Certainly, no one denies that. I admire the effort the players put in.' He added: 'The effort, the team spirit, the belief, the ability to overcome difficulties and fight to find ways to win... all were at the highest level ever. They cannot be praised enough.' He continued: 'But I am a football coach, and I think we could have played better.' He went on: 'Overall, I don't think it was a high-level match. I think we have played better matches overall.' He said: 'The match saw many fluctuations in control and momentum for both teams, so all credit to the players. We found a way to win, and now we are in the semifinals.' He added: 'That is of course the most important thing, but the analytical mind inside me, as well as the coach inside me... still see that we can and must play better football.' He asserted: 'As for my feelings, there is no doubt that I am proud and happy, and I feel a great connection to this team; because the players do whatever it takes to take the next step.' He concluded: 'There are many things we can improve, and that's not a problem, but there is no gap between me and my team, not even one percent. I am with them with all my heart, and I have all the love for the players, for my team, and for the way they perform.'