Bellingham rejects Player of the Match award after England's goalless draw with Ghana

Jude Bellingham publicly dismissed his own FIFA Player of the Match award after England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in Boston, telling reporters he did not deserve the honour and that it should have gone to one of the Ghanaian defenders.

“I didn’t deserve it, to be honest,” Bellingham said in a post-match flash interview. “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.”

The Real Madrid midfielder had been outstanding in England’s opening win over Croatia in Dallas, but struggled to replicate that form against a Ghana side that sat deep and defended resolutely. FootMob rated Bellingham at 6.0 — a score only marginally better than the two lowest-rated starters on the night, Antoine Semenyo (5.7) and Inaki Williams (5.8).

Photographs taken of Bellingham receiving the award told their own story. Visibly uncomfortable, he appeared far from pleased with a performance he felt did not merit individual recognition.

When asked who he thinks of when receiving such accolades, Bellingham added: “My family, team-mates, and the coach who gave me the chance to be at the World Cup. I probably didn’t deserve this one but grateful nevertheless.”

He also acknowledged a “silly tackle” on the stroke of half-time that ignited tensions, and moved to draw a line under a sideline exchange with Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz, saying he holds nothing but respect for the veteran manager.

England’s draw continues what Bellingham himself called “second game fever” — a pattern of winning the opener before dropping points in the second fixture. Ghana, he noted, appeared to play for the draw, a result that would have been enough to see them advance. “Fair play to them. They did a great job,” he said.

With Morgan Rogers pressing for a starting place after an impressive substitute appearance, Bellingham faces added motivation heading into England’s next group game against Panama in New Jersey. His willingness to hold himself to account, even when handed an award, suggests the frustration of this result will not linger — it will fuel him.