"I don't deserve the POTM title": Bellingham, struggling against Ghana, makes a candid remark: "The Ghana defender who stopped me should have received it"... Fans agree

*This content was translated by AI.

Jude Bellingham (23, Real Madrid), midfielder for the England national team, was named Player of the Match (POTM), but he admitted he did not deserve the honor.

On the 24th (Korean time), the UK's BBC reported that "Bellingham stated his conviction that he did not deserve Choi U-su-seon (수상) and that a Ghanaian player should have received the award" immediately after the match against Ghana.

Under manager Thomas Tuchel, England secured a 0-0 draw against Ghana in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup North American qualifiers, held at Boston Stadium in Massachusetts, USA, on this day. Having decisively defeated Croatia 4-2 in the first match, England maintained its position at the top of Group L with one win and one draw (four points), tied with Ghana on points but ahead in goal difference.

Leading with "world-class" striker Harry Kane, England unleashed 18 shots but was held by Ghana's physical defense, failing to score a single goal.

Bellingham was named POTM after the match. However, Bellingham, who ended in a draw, could not hide his disappointment. According to the BBC, he said, "Honestly, I don't deserve this award," and added, "One of the Ghanaian players who made an excellent defensive performance should have received it." He further stated, "I had several good opportunities, but I was not fully immersed in the game. Still, I thank those who selected me."

In fact, according to the football statistics specialist "FootMob," Bellingham delivered a poor performance as he himself admitted. Playing 73 minutes and receiving a rating of 6.0, Bellingham had the most touches inside the opponent's box among all players with six, but managed only zero effective shots, an expected goals (xG) value of 0.02, and one chance created. In particular, his success rate in ground duels was low at 25% (2 out of 8), and he allowed opponents to dribble past him twice, struggling even in ball duel situations. Some fans also expressed confusion over Bellingham receiving the POTM award.

Amid a frustrating flow of the game, he also displayed an irritable demeanor. During halftime after the first half ended, Bellingham clashed with the Ghana bench area, engaging in a rough verbal confrontation.

England, aiming for first place in the group, will face Panama in the final group stage match on the 28th at 6 a.m. at New Jersey Stadium in New York.

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*This content was translated by AI.