England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued a public apology to Jude Bellingham after admitting he used the wrong word to describe the midfielder’s reaction during the Three Lions’ shock 3-1 defeat to Senegal in June.
Bellingham, who recently underwent shoulder surgery and will miss England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, was seen kicking a drinks cooler in frustration after the final whistle at the City Ground.
Speaking the following morning in a live radio interview, Tuchel suggested Bellingham’s visible rage could appear “repulsive” to some viewers – a comment that immediately drew headlines and criticism.
On Friday, after naming his latest England squad, Tuchel moved to clarify his remarks and offered an apology directly to Bellingham.
“I did this unintentionally. I used this word unintentionally, just to make it very clear,” Tuchel said. “There was no hidden agenda. I am sorry for the upset and for the headlines I created. I should have known better.”
The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss explained that his choice of words was a slip in his second language, spoken under pressure after a sleepless night following England’s defeat.
“I thought I would have had a little bit more credit, maybe, that I do this in my second language,” Tuchel added. “It was the morning after a loss, with not much sleep, on a live interview. I used the wrong word. It’s my responsibility.”
Tuchel also confirmed that he contacted Bellingham directly to apologise.
“Of course, I straightaway made contact with him. Jude now focuses on his rehabilitation, and we focus on Andorra and Serbia.”
With Bellingham sidelined, Tuchel will look to alternative midfield options as England aim to bounce back in their qualifiers.
