Bellingham rejects his own player-of-the-match award as England draw with Ghana at World Cup

Jude Bellingham publicly dismissed his own player-of-the-match award after England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in Boston at the 2026 World Cup, admitting the accolade belonged to the Ghanaian defenders who frustrated the Three Lions throughout.

Bellingham, who had scored in England’s opening win against Croatia, struggled to impose himself as Ghana sat deep in a compact defensive shape. He was substituted for Morgan Rogers with 20 minutes remaining before being named the surprise recipient of the fan-voted award.

“I didn’t deserve it… it probably should have gone to one of their lads who defended so well,” Bellingham said. “I had a couple of moments but it was hard to get into the game. I’m grateful for whoever voted, but it probably should have gone to one of their lads.”

The Real Madrid midfielder also acknowledged a familiar England pattern at major tournaments. “Like always, second game fever with England — win the first one and do well, draw the second. But it’s OK. They played for a draw as it would have seen them through. Fair play to them.”

Captain Harry Kane spurned a glorious late chance but remained measured in his assessment. “It’s a game we could’ve walked away 1-0, 2-0 and moved on,” Kane said. “It was never going to be the prettiest game because of the way they played. Credit to them, they defended well, dangerous on the counter-attack.”

Kane acknowledged the difficulty of breaking down a side defending with such conviction. “Sometimes you need an early goal to open up the match. As the game goes longer at 0-0, they believe more and defend more with their heart. I back myself nine times out of 10, but it just didn’t fall my way today.”

The draw leaves England level with Ghana on four points heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures on Saturday. England face Panama while Ghana take on Croatia, with both sides knowing the stakes ahead of the decisive matches.