Former England striker Ian Wright has come to the defense of Jude Bellingham, asserting that some individuals aren’t “prepared for a Black superstar.”
Bellingham faced backlash for his response to being substituted during England’s World Cup qualifying victory over Albania on Sunday, with claims suggesting he may be causing disruption within the team.
Wright believes that some people are “intimidated” by Bellingham’s achievements.
“They can’t reach him. He’s a go-getter and a winner who consistently delivers,” Wright stated during an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast.
“They’re attempting to construct a narrative because England has qualified so easily. They need something else to criticize him about.”
“I don’t think they’re ready for a Black superstar who can move like Jude. They can’t compete with him.
“He steps onto the field, performs, and excels. It seems to be too much for some people.
“People admire N’Golo Kante for his humility, as he quietly goes about his business. But when you have a player with the energy of a Pogba or Bellingham, it can be unsettling for certain individuals. Jude’s extraordinary talent and the inspiration he provides can intimidate some.
“When you’re a talented Black player who is vocal and confident, that can be a source of discomfort for certain people. It’s exhausting to discuss this.”
Bellingham was reselected to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for matches against Serbia and Albania after being omitted from the previous October squad.
– Tuchel vows to contact 60 unselected England players
– Kane: ‘Sometimes England don’t get the credit’
– Wright supports Bellingham after Tuchel’s warning
This follows an earlier incident during a summer camp when Tuchel mistakenly remarked that he finds some of Bellingham’s actions on the field “repulsive.”
Wright revealed that he texted Bellingham before he joined the team, advising him to brace for what was coming.
“I sent Jude a message saying, ‘Be prepared.’ I anticipated something was going to happen, like a wave. Unless you perform well, it can come crashing down.
“He asked, ‘What’s coming?’ and I replied, ‘Get ready for it,’ and now it’s here.”