Anthony Joshua has called on Jude Bellingham to ignore the growing storm around his England place and concentrate solely on performing for his country, urging the 22-year-old midfielder to shut out critics in the build-up to next summer’s World Cup.
The boxing star, long accustomed to scrutiny over his own career, offered words of support as Bellingham finds himself at the centre of an unexpectedly fierce debate over both form and personality.
The Real Madrid star has faced backlash after reacting angrily to being substituted during England’s 2-0 win over Albania on Sunday, with reports claiming he was unimpressed by Thomas Tuchel’s decision to replace him with Morgan Rogers.
His removal came just days after he had been omitted from the starting line-up in the victory over Serbia, with Rogers picked ahead of him on that occasion.
The discussion has quickly escalated into a dispute about whether he should remain an automatic selection in Tuchel’s squad, despite being viewed as one of Europe’s most influential midfielders.
Joshua, preparing to return to the ring at 36 following defeat to Daniel Dubois last September, made clear that he did not want to be drawn too deeply into the football row, though he was keen to offer perspective.
The former world champion admitted he was not fully aware of the latest controversy, yet still defended the midfielder’s right to show emotion.
“Talk to me… What’s happened with Jude? Why [Shouldn’t he be included in England squad]?” he asked when informed about the criticism.
“But why? I’m not exactly sure what’s going on with the situation but everyone has their own personality.
“If he doesn’t want to talk then that’s up to it, if he wants to talk, if he doesn’t, I don’t understand exactly what’s going on, I don’t follow soccer, I follow the fight game.”
Joshua suggested the only priority for the England midfielder must be excellence on the pitch, not public approval.
“What like? Negative? The main thing for him to focus on is getting on that pitch and representing his country and doing a good job,” he added.
“It doesn’t matter what you say, that’s what we’ve got to focus on, he’s probably just tunnel vision which most people don’t understand what it takes to be in Jude Bellingham’s position.
“Jude Bellingham is under immense pressure every day of his life, it might just be one of those days, one of those years but let him do what he does on the pitch, that’s what we need to focus on.”
The controversy surrounding Bellingham has been fuelled further by comments from Ian Wright, who argued that criticism reflects deeper issues within English football culture.
The former Arsenal striker forcefully defended the midfielder, claiming backlash has roots far beyond sport.
“I don’t think they’re ready for a black superstar. Who can move like Jude [Bellingham] is moving?” he said.
“They can’t touch him.”
He also argued that players perceived as “humble” are more readily accepted, while outspoken, high-profile black athletes provoke a hostile reaction.
Bellingham, for his part, is yet to respond.
His quality is undeniable but, with Tuchel keen to foster unity, his involvement at next summer’s World Cup is up in the air.
Whether he does enough to win round Tuchel, and supporters, remains to be seen.
