'Didn't deserve' - Jude Bellingham makes honest admission after bagging award in frustrating England draw

An honest Jude Bellingham believed he “didn’t deserve” to be named player of the match after England’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana.

The Three Lions were forced to settle for a point after toiling against disciplined opponents in Boston.

Stourbridge-born Bellingham was chosen as Fifa’s official player of the match but felt the prize should have gone to a Ghana player.

It was the fourth straight tournament that England, so impressive in beating Croatia 4-2 last week, had been held to a draw in their second group game.

Bellingham, who was replaced on 73 minutes by fellow Black Country star Morgan Rogers, said: "I didn't deserve it, to be honest. It should have gone to one of their lads who defended so well.

"I had a couple of moments, it was hard to get into the game and I'm grateful for whoever voted but it should've gone to one of their lads.

“Like always, it's second-game fever with England. Win the first one, do well and draw the second.

"It's OK though, they played for a draw that would've seen them go through and fair play to them."

Thomas Tuchel’s team remain top of Group L and remain well placed to win it if they beat Panama on Saturday.

Bellingham called for a sense of perspective, explaining: "It’s important for us and for you guys as well, not to get too negative, not to get too het up on it.

"We’ll prepare, we’ll watch the footage, see where we could have been better and prepare for Panama. So, no worries, no stress, no drama at all.”

There certainly appeared to be drama at half-time when Bellingham was involved in a foul-mouthed bust-up with Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz.

The England man had to be held back by pal Rogers as he rowed with Queiroz as players and coaching staff left the pitch.

Speaking afterward, Queiroz said: “He (Bellingham) had a bad reaction with some bad names, that’s why the story started.

“My intention was to tell him to cool down with that tackle (on Jerome Opoku late in the half). It could be a second yellow card, a red card, because he went with his foot against my player.”

Former Manchester United assistant Queiroz added: “It was nothing special. It’s just that emotional moment, the moment he had one word that is not in the book of life.

“It could create a little bit of fire. But immediately as professionals we pulled up. Football is something for brave people – not for people dancing in tuxedos.”