Is Bellingham the Most Recent Scapegoat for the English Media?

Is Bellingham the Most Recent Scapegoat for the English Media?

England star Jude Bellingham has faced backlash in the media after appearing visibly frustrated with manager Thomas Tuchel, having been taken off late into their final qualifier fixture in Albania. Outlets have questioned his attitude amid 'subdued' claims that the England midfielder kicked up a fuss despite delivering a Player of the Match performance. While this instead may say more about his passion, this is not the first time the media has appeared to make a mountain out of a molehill, having already scrutinised the likes of Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho.

Tuchel Calls for Behavioural Responsibility

The England manager has been open about the importance of the behaviour and attitude of his players in the England camp, and this spectacle was no different, having said to review the situation in the coming days. This response was influenced by the press instigating the severity of Bellingham's actions after 'knowing he was going to come off' and as such "refusing to celebrate the second goal" and "flinging his arms around in frustration" at this decision.

Thomas Tuchel says he "will review" Jude Bellingham's unhappy reaction at being substituted. pic.twitter.com/OIf88hJsMN

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 16, 2025

Tuchel recently called out the attitude of Tottenham defender Djed Spence after ignoring manager Thomas Frank in their London Derby defeat to Chelsea. Having registered a full 90 in both matches in the Three Lions' last camp, Spence was an unused substitute this time around and Thomas Tuchel gives the impression that he is not one for giving second chances.

Wright In Time to Defend

Former Arsenal and England international Ian Wright has called out the English media for comments made against Bellingham with the intention to damage a prestigious reputation. A highly recognised and respected figure on a global scale, the Real Madrid midfielder is just another on a list of England nationals to be placed in the firing line in a desperate need for media discussion. The Instagram comment posted by Wright receiving over 3000 likes tells you all you need to know about the public feeling against the attempts of the English media, having diverted attention away from celebrating the nation's flawless qualification campaign.

Ian Wright spot on about Jude Bellingham; as usual. 👏 pic.twitter.com/HM0FfaLHyL

— HLTCO (@HLTCO) November 17, 2025

An Unfavourable Trend

This is not the first time that the England No. 10 has had his attitude questioned; Tuchel's mother describing it as "repulsive" probably slims Jude's hopes of being invited around for afternoon tea. This poses the proposition that the English media are picking up on something that most are turning a blind eye to, yet is this mentality being mistakenly portrayed as a negative rather than a desire to be the best version of himself?

I think this is just one of many examples to encourage media discussion. Having someone with a win-only mentality instilled by playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, why should he be satisfied with delivering anything but the best version of Jude Bellingham for both club and country? Former manager Carlo Ancelotti has recently turned down any claims of an ego surrounding the Englishman, so it's a good job that the press have taken this onboard and not focused on irrelevant points in matches happening to revolve around Bellingham. Hold on a minute...

English journalist was asking Tuchel if he saw Bellingham pushing an opponent in the 10th minute,

Thats the 2nd question in the presser after a World cup qualification away game. pic.twitter.com/kEc2k2eRLt

— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) November 17, 2025

A History of Instances

If you somehow believe that there is not a pattern of practice to the media behaviour, multiple other players have suffered the same nature of media backlash. Phil Foden has been target practice for years in the media, having failed to provide for England on the international stage. In fact, the recent over-compensation towards Foden in an England shirt is extremely telling.

Match commentary and social media posts, including publications from the official England and UEFA platforms, were quick to compliment Foden for 'putting it on a plate' for Eberechi Eze in the recent qualifying victory over Serbia. Now I am not claiming to be a football expert, but I would go as far as saying the finish deserves a bit more credit here.

The narrative surrounding this goal is really weird. The commentary, the post-match interview etc all focus on the assist rather than the finish. Even England’s social media said that Foden ‘put it on a plate’ for Eze! 🧐 #ThreeLions pic.twitter.com/C97p2yq2U0

— Matt Watts (@MattWatts96) November 14, 2025

This falls back to the matter of the media encouraging discussion, exacerbating situations that had little to no news value prior to their antics. In this instance, the use of reverse psychology has created an environment where Foden is suddenly receiving heaps of praise by outlets who have been the same authors of his dismay, creating a new topic of discussion for fans to dissect. In turn, 'England's Golden Boy' Bellingham is now at the forefront of negative media press, and this creates the growing feeling that the media values clicks higher than reporting on the actual success the England National Team has had over the course of their qualifying campaign.

World Cup in Sights

It will be interesting to see if this speculation continues to swirl around the mainstream media as the highlight of the football calendar looms ever closer. The conversation has divided public opinion, as some are beginning to question the behaviour of Bellingham, particularly in situations where it is not going all his own way. Whilst this view is not shared, I believe it is best for him to learn how to play with his hands tied around his back to limit the chances of a hammering from the press.

Here is the photo proof of Bellingham flinging his arms after Kanes goal and not being included with the team😡😡😡😡 pic.twitter.com/6TXI5XOeQi

— ~ (@camyehh) November 16, 2025