Former England striker Ian Wright has come to the defense of Jude Bellingham, suggesting that some critics are not prepared for a "black superstar" like himself. The 22-year-old midfielder has faced criticism for his reaction to being substituted during England's World Cup qualifying win in Albania last weekend, with some accusing him of being a disruptive influence on the team.
However, Wright says that these critics are actually intimidated by Bellingham's success and ability. "They cannot get to this guy," he said. "He is an achiever, he's a winner, he goes out and does it." Wright believes that some people are trying to build a narrative against Bellingham because England has qualified for the World Cup easily without him.
Wright pointed to the example of N'Golo Kanté, a black player who is seen as a humble and unassuming figure. But when players like Paul Pogba or Jude Bellingham come into the picture, they inspire fear in those who are not used to seeing people like them succeed at that level.
"Bellingham frightens these people because of his capability and the inspiration he can give," Wright said. "Because if you are outspoken, black and playing to that level and not caring, that frightens certain people. It's a tiring exercise to speak about."
Wright also revealed that he had warned Bellingham before he joined up with the England squad, telling him to be prepared for the criticism and scrutiny that comes with being a talented young player.
"It's like a tsunami," Wright said. "Unless you play well and do something, it comes back."
However, Wright says that these critics are actually intimidated by Bellingham's success and ability. "They cannot get to this guy," he said. "He is an achiever, he's a winner, he goes out and does it." Wright believes that some people are trying to build a narrative against Bellingham because England has qualified for the World Cup easily without him.
Wright pointed to the example of N'Golo Kanté, a black player who is seen as a humble and unassuming figure. But when players like Paul Pogba or Jude Bellingham come into the picture, they inspire fear in those who are not used to seeing people like them succeed at that level.
"Bellingham frightens these people because of his capability and the inspiration he can give," Wright said. "Because if you are outspoken, black and playing to that level and not caring, that frightens certain people. It's a tiring exercise to speak about."
Wright also revealed that he had warned Bellingham before he joined up with the England squad, telling him to be prepared for the criticism and scrutiny that comes with being a talented young player.
"It's like a tsunami," Wright said. "Unless you play well and do something, it comes back."
he's a winner, an achiever & ppl who cant get to his level need 2 step up their game 
i mean think about it, N'Golo Kanté is like the ultimate underdog, but when you bring in a superstar like Pogba or Bellingham, ppl get shook 
Wright was totally right, its like a tsunami of criticism & unless u play well, it comes back to haunt u 
. bellingham is clearly a superstar in the making and some people are just intimidated by his success 
. i mean, canté is a great player too but he's not exactly getting the same level of attention as bells. and yeah, wright said it best - if you're outspoken, black, and killing it on the pitch, that freaks out some ppl who are used to seeing people like themselves in subservient roles 
. anyway, im loving bells' confidence and fire 
Ian Wright is basically saying that people are salty because Jude Bellingham is killing the game! I mean, who doesn't love a good underdog story? 
Bellingham's got skills for days and Wright is right, some ppl just don't like it when they're proven wrong. It's like when you eat a whole pizza by yourself and someone tells you it's not as impressive as you thought... 
! Wright's comparison to Kanté is so spot on btw 
. Those ppl who get all upset about Pogba or Bellingham are just jealous lol 
. and now wright is saying that some ppl r even intimidated by him 
, like they're trying to build this narrative against him 'cause england qualified without him? come on 
I'm so done with people who can't handle their success! 
. Those ppl trying to tear him down r just mad cuz they can't relate 
. Bellingham's being himself and slaying the game 
. We got love for the young superstar 
I totally get what Ian Wright is saying about Jude Bellingham. As someone who's grown up watching players like David Beckham and Steven Gerrard dominate the pitch, it's refreshing to see a young black player like Bellingham making waves in the football world. And let's be real, some people just can't handle seeing someone from a different background succeeding at such a high level 
. It's like they're intimidated by his confidence and talent. Wright is right, some people are trying to build a narrative against Bellingham because he's making England look good without him 
. But honestly, can we just let Jude do his thing? He's an amazing player who deserves all the praise he's getting 
. Wright is right though, it's like being in the spotlight, you can't just ignore the criticism and scrutiny that comes with it 
. I'm so proud to see a legend like Wright standing up for his fellow player 
.
. People can get caught up in their own biases and fear success when they don't see themselves reflected in the people achieving it 
. Give me a break 