Sir Geoff Hurst, England's 1966 World Cup hat-trick hero, has publicly supported Jude Bellingham after the Real Madrid midfielder dismissed criticism from manager Thomas Tuchel following the Three Lions' quarter-final victory over Norway. The 84-year-old legend praised the midfielder's self-assured attitude as the team prepares for a semi-final clash against Argentina.
Hurst revealed that Bellingham's dismissive "whatever" response to Tuchel's assessment of England's performance made him laugh. Speaking to the Mirror, he described the reaction as a "fantastic response" that reflected the confidence coursing through the current squad. Despite inspiring a match-winning display, Tuchel maintained his critical stance on the team's overall execution, yet Hurst believes this scrutiny demonstrates the German coach's commitment to excellence.
Tuchel's Approach and England's Historical Moment
While no international team has won a World Cup under a foreign manager, Hurst expressed unwavering faith in Tuchel's preparation and tactical acumen. He acknowledged that if England claims glory under a non-English boss, Tuchel would be hailed alongside Sir Alf Ramsey, who led the Three Lions to their sole World Cup triumph 60 years ago. Hurst emphasized that team spirit remains the foundation of championship success, mirroring the unity that defined the legendary 1966 squad.
The upcoming semi-final against Argentina carries historical weight, echoing the tension of their 1966 quarter-final encounter when Antonio Rattin was sent off. Hurst recalled the "bad blood" that has characterized this rivalry for decades. When asked whether football could finally be coming home, Hurst left no room for doubt: "The answer to 'Can we do it?' is yes. It is categorically yes."
The England veteran stressed the importance of maintaining belief and positivity—qualities that defined his own career and, he believes, will prove decisive in Argentina's semi-final test.
