SLEEPY LIONS ‘It’s always the same’ – Jude Bellingham slams England for repeating error in ‘EVERY tournament’ after World Cup draw

JUDE BELLINGHAM bemoaned England’s “second-game fever” striking again as they were held to a stalemate by Ghana.

It was the fourth tournament in a row that the Three Lions have drawn their second group game. While it was the third 0-0 out of that quartet of draws – after Scotland at Euro 2020 and USA at World Cup 2022 – with the other being the 1-1 against Denmark at Euro 2024.

Man-of-the-match Bellingham, who earned his 50th cap, said: “It was very frustrating, like second-game fever, the same as always with us.

“It feels like in all the tournaments I’ve been to, it’s been the same, a decent performance to start, and a good win.

“And then just the second one, frustrated a little bit with how they defended, how they set up. “Credit to them, they got exactly out of the game what they played for, we couldn’t quite break them down, and even with all the corners, all the possession, or the shots on goal from distance, but it’s one of those things that happens.”

England got off to a flyer in their opening game, winning 4-2 over Croatia in Dallas.

But disciplined Ghana reduced them to just three shots on target.

England can finish top of the group with a convincing win over Panama on Saturday in New Jersey. Bellingham added: “It’s important for us and for you guys as well, not to get too negative, not to get too het up on it.

“We’ll prepare, we’ll watch the footage, see where we could have been better and prepare for Panama.

“So, no worries, no stress, no drama at all. It’s important, I’m young, but still one of the experienced players.

“And my message has just been to make sure we stay positive, keep the good atmosphere we’ve got going. It’s not the end of the world, it’s four points, puts us in a good position.

“And then for Panama, rest, recover, and go again.”