England legend Ian Wright says the Three Lions are “ready for a black superstar” following the media treatment of Jude Bellingham.
Recall that the Real Madrid star has been under scrutiny after reacting angrily to being substituted during England’s 2026 World Cup qualifying win over Albania.
For Wright, the tone and volume of criticism aimed at the 22-year-old is not solely about football.
He believes perceptions are shaped by race, arguing that Bellingham’s personality and confidence unsettle some observers.
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“I don’t think they’re ready for a Black superstar, who can move like Jude (Bellingham) is moving,” Wright said on The Overlap YouTube channel.
“They can’t touch him. He goes out there, he performs, he does what he does, he says: ‘Who else?’ It’s too uppity for these people.
“I’ll put it in football terms. They all love N’Golo Kante. He’s a humble Black man, gets on with what he’s doing. That’s just how his personality is.
“But if you get a (Paul) Pogba, or a Bellingham, and you get that kind of energy, that does not sit well with the people. Someone like Jude, for some reason, frightens these people because of his capability and the inspiration he can give.”
