Ian Wright has come to the defence of Jude Bellingham, arguing that some critics are uncomfortable with the rise of a confident “black superstar” in English football.
Bellingham faced criticism after reacting visibly to being substituted during England’s World Cup qualifying win over Albania, with some suggesting he could be a disruptive influence within the squad. Wright rejected those claims, saying the backlash is driven more by fear of Bellingham’s success than by his behaviour.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright said Bellingham’s confidence and elite performances make certain people uneasy. He suggested that outspoken, high-performing black players are often treated differently compared to quieter figures, contrasting how players like N’Golo Kanté are perceived with stars such as Paul Pogba and Bellingham.
Wright also revealed that he had заранее warned Bellingham about the backlash. He said he messaged him before he joined up with the England squad to prepare him for what he described as an inevitable wave of criticism.
Bellingham had been recalled to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel after missing the October camp, and Wright believes the intense focus on him reflects a broader pattern of media narratives forming around standout players.
