Sir Geoff Hurst has expressed his support for England’s rising star, Jude Bellingham, amidst the recent controversy sparked by Thomas Tuchel’s critique of the team.
At 84 years old, Sir Geoff commended Bellingham, 23, for his outstanding performance, scoring two crucial goals in the 2-1 victory over Norway in the quarter-finals. Bellingham’s brace secured England a spot in the upcoming semi-final clash against Argentina, where he nonchalantly responded to Tuchel’s criticisms with a simple ‘whatever’.
The legendary 1966 hat-trick hero found Bellingham’s response to Tuchel’s comments “fantastic,” emphasizing his admiration for the player’s attitude. Reflecting on the upcoming match against Argentina, Sir Geoff acknowledged the challenge posed by the formidable opponent but expressed confidence in England’s readiness for the game.
Speaking at an event in London hosted by World Cup sponsor Budweiser, Sir Geoff reminisced about England’s intense quarter-final victory over Argentina in 1966, highlighting the historical tensions between the two nations that have persisted since the Falklands conflict in 1982. He underscored the importance of thorough preparation and analysis of Argentina’s previous matches by England and Tuchel.
Assessing the current England squad for the 2026 World Cup, Sir Geoff praised their team spirit and emphasized the significance of unity in achieving success, drawing parallels to the cohesion of the 1966 team. When asked about the possibility of football “coming home,” Sir Geoff exuded optimism, affirming his belief that England could indeed secure victory, citing the importance of a positive mindset in achieving goals.
Emphasizing the significance of team dynamics and a winning mentality, Sir Geoff expressed confidence in England’s potential for success under Tuchel’s guidance, hinting at a promising future for English football.