Jude Bellingham rejects Man of the Match award saying no England player deserved it against Ghana

England star Jude Bellingham went off midway through the second half against Ghana
Jude Bellingham didn't feel he deserved the man of the match award (Image credit: Getty Images)

Who exactly is going on the FIFA website to vote for the man of the match at this World Cup, and what game were they watching during England's goalless draw with Ghana?

Jude Bellingham was, bizarrely, awarded the competition's official man of the match award despite registering just one shot and one key pass before being subbed off in the 72nd minute, to be replaced by Morgan Rogers.

Even the Real Madrid star was caught off-guard by the honour, admitting that he wouldn't have given it to himself - or any of his England teammates.

Play our FREE match predictor and win £1k

Morgan Rogers replaced Jude Bellingham in the second half

Jude Bellingham didn't feel he deserved the man of the match award (Image credit: Getty Images)

Speaking to FIFA's in-house media after the game, Bellingham said: "I didn't deserve it, to be honest, it should have gone to one of their lads who defended so well.

"I had a couple of moments. It was hard to get into the game, and I'm grateful for whoever voted, but it should've gone to one of their lads who defended so well, so fair play to them.

England laboured against Ghana

Jude Bellingham cut a frustrating figure against Ghana (Image credit: Getty Images)

"Like always, it's second-game fever, isn't it, with England: win the first one, do well, and draw the second.

"But it's OK. I think they played for a draw as it would have seen them go through and fair play to them, they got a great draw."

Teammate Declan Rice admitted his frustration at the result, telling the BBC: "It's always difficult to play against 11 behind the ball as deep as they were, so you've got to find solutions.

"In the last ten minutes we probably found more than we did all game, and we were unlucky not to score.

"But we stay positive, we keep going, and we've still got a great chance to top the group against Panama."

England put on a brave face after their goalless draw with Ghana

England kept a clean sheet but couldn't break the deadlock against Ghana (Image credit: Getty Images)

England started their World Cup campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia, and will now round out their Group L campaign by taking on Panama.

That game is set to be played at MetLife Stadium just outside New York City on Saturday, with kick-off set for 5pm local time (10pm UK time).

Thomas Tuchel's side would be guaranteed of progressing to the round of 32 with a victory.

Steven Chicken

Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.