Jude Bellingham found himself at the centre of a heated confrontation after a tense exchange with members of the Ghana coaching staff at half-time.
England endured a frustrating opening 45 minutes against the Black Stars as both sides went into the break level in their World Cup clash in Boston.
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Just before the interval, Bellingham brought down Jerome Opoku with a late challenge near the technical area.
The midfielder avoided a booking for the incident, but emotions spilled over as players and staff made their way toward the tunnel.
An animated exchange followed between Bellingham and Ghana coach John Paintsil, with both men reportedly trading insults as tempers boiled over.
Bellingham uttered something to Ghana assistant Coach John Paintsil unprovoked at FT
Paintsil clearly furious pic.twitter.com/IPKoyacFcg
— Frank Darkwah (@Blaqqkoffi) June 23, 2026
Ghana boss Carlos Queiroz also became involved in the incident and appeared eager to confront the England star before being restrained by members of his staff. England assistant Anthony Barry and Bellingham’s friend Morgan Rogers stepped in to calm the situation.
ENGLAND were unable to build on their winning start to the tournament as they settled for a 0-0 draw against Ghana.
The Three Lions had opened their World Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in Texas, raising expectations ahead of their second group match.
However, Thomas Tuchel’s men struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Ghana side led by the experienced Carlos Queiroz.
Despite dominating possession for long periods, England failed to find a way through the resilient Ghanaian defence.
Images from the altercation also appeared to show Noni Madueke taking a swipe at Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant.
Reflecting on the confrontation after the match, Queiroz explained: “My intention was to tell him [Bellingham] to cool down with that tackle that he did.
“Could be a yellow card, clearly, because he went with the foot against our player.
“I was worried because my player was not in 100 per cent health.
“He had a bad reaction with [saying] some bad names and that’s why it started.”
The Ghana manager later added: “It is just football, team-mates, trying to win the games, it was nothing special, just that emotional moment, that moment when you have one word out of the vocabulary that creates a bit of fire.
“But immediately as professionals we cool down.”
When asked whether he could repeat the remark made by Bellingham, the former Portugal boss responded: “It’s just normal things in football.
“Football cannot turn into a saloon of dancing with tuxedos… this is something for brave people, we don’t want to turn football into dancing with tuxedos, it’s not dancing, it’s not a show.”
The match also marked a significant milestone for Bellingham, who earned his 50th England cap. At 22 years and 359 days old, he surpassed Wayne Rooney’s record as the youngest player to reach the landmark.
Before kick-off, Thomas Tuchel benefited from FIFA’s decision to alter World Cup procedures by moving photographers away from the national anthem area, giving him a clearer view of his players as they sang God Save The King.
Elsewhere, Djed Spence appeared to refuse a handshake with Thomas Partey before the game and later received stern instructions from Tuchel during the first-half hydration break.
England struggled throughout the contest and failed to register a shot on target before half-time.
Tuchel introduced Bukayo Saka, Nico O’Reilly, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers from the bench, while Bellingham was among those taken off.
The changes failed to produce the breakthrough England needed, with the contest ending goalless.
Ghana felt they were denied a golden opportunity to claim victory after a controversial penalty decision, while Jordan Pickford escaped punishment following a challenge outside his area.
Queiroz questioned the officials after the game, saying: “Is VAR still working in the World Cup? Do we still have VAR? I have doubts about that.
“The VAR referee was on vacation second half, apparently. Once again, the VAR went for coffee.
“I like to take my coffees once in a while! It’s a clear penalty and a red card [on Konsa]. Do you have any doubts about that, or is it only me who was at the game?”
The Ghana manager later softened his criticism, adding: “I am sorry for my sarcasm, but if I say this kind of thing seriously, they punish me. So I am joking.”
Before leaving the field, Bellingham also risked disciplinary action after appearing to cover his mouth while speaking to Jordan Ayew.
Under a controversial World Cup regulation introduced by the International Football Association Board, players who cover their mouths during confrontational exchanges with opponents can be shown a red card.
Earlier in the tournament, former Newcastle midfielder Miguel Almiron became the first player dismissed under the rule while representing Paraguay against Turkiye.
