In their second match of the 2026 World Cup, England were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in Boston, a result that nonetheless keeps Thomas Tuchel's side top of Group L following their opening 4-2 win over Croatia.
Jude Bellingham marked the occasion by becoming the youngest England player to reach 50 caps, though he was unable to inspire a breakthrough against a Ghana side happy to sit deep and frustrate their opponents.
But as half-time was called, following a half in which the Three Lions failed to register a shot on target, a foul-mouthed incident involving Bellingham took place, one that required the intervention of several players and staff from both sides, before things had the chance to escalate further.
Jude Bellingham and Carlos Queiroz Clash at Half-Time
Jude BellinghamREUTERS/Peter Cziborra
It all stemmed from a foul in which Bellingham caught Jerome Opoku late, with tempers boiling over moments after the referee's whistle for the interval.
Bellingham looked to be exchanging expletives with former Premier League right back John Painsil, one of Carlos Queiroz’s assistants, before Queiroz himself got involved, pursuing Bellingham as Morgan Rogers pulled the Real Madrid man away.
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The former Arsenal midfielder was denied the chance to play in Ghana's World Cup opener last week due to his upcoming court case.
Players and coaching staff continued arguing as they made their way across the pitch and towards the tunnel, though no cards were issued and calm had been restored by the restart. Watch what happened below:
After the match Bellingham was eager to downplay his role in the incident. "It was just when I made a silly tackle, to be honest," he said.
"I was trying to try to win the ball, and I followed through a little bit and caught the lad. I spoke to him after, and then their bench jumped up trying to get me a yellow card."
He also offered a nod of respect towards the opposing dugout, adding: "I think their manager [Queiroz] I just recognised him. He's obviously the one who used to be at Manchester United, so great respect, and nothing but a competitive edge for both of us."
Queiroz Reveals his Thoughts on Bellingham Incident
Carlos Queiroz at Ghana's match with England at the 2026 World CupPeter Cziborra via Reuters
After Thomas Tuchel insisted that the issue was just a matter of Bellingham standing up for himself, Queiroz was clear on what had actually irritated him, pointing to Bellingham's language rather than anything to do with Bellingham’s challenge on his player.
The 22-year-old is no stranger to his language getting him in trouble after being sent off for verbal abuse when representing Real Madrid in February.
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"He had a bad reaction with some bad names and that's why the story started," the Ghana boss said, before elaborating further: “He swears and that created a bit more tension. But it’s just football - he had one word that carried a bit of fire but we are professionals and we were able to cool down. This isn’t dancing where you wear tuxedos," per Ed Aarons of The Guardian.
England end their group stage campaign against Panama on Sunday, while Ghana face Croatia.