Graeme Souness claims Jude Bellingham only starts for England because he plays for Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham is one of the most exciting young midfielders in the world. At just 20 years of age, he has already established himself as a regular in the England squad, appearing at Euro 2020 as a 17-year-old and now considered an integral part of Gareth Southgate’s team. His recent €103million (£88.5m) transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid has only further cemented his status as one of the best young players in the world.

However, Graeme Souness doesn’t appear to be convinced by Bellingham’s abilities and can’t understand why he gets into the England team ahead of Tottenham’s James Maddison. While on punditry duty for Channel 4, Souness was asked about whether Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips should be starting for England, only for the Liverpool and Scotland legend to strangely change the subject to Bellingham.

Souness’ Claims

‘A few years ago there was Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard – the “golden generation”. I think England have a group of players like that now. They’ve come close to winning a trophy and I think this is a team that should be winning trophies, I really do. I’m an enouromous fan of James Maddison. I think there’s room for Maddison and Bellingham in this midfield. If you look at Maddison’s numbers, his stats, scoring goals, creating chances -he shoots Jude Bellingham off the park. He’s far better. And yet he [Southgate] is choosing Bellingham because he plays for Real Madrid.

‘But I’ll say that I think there’s room for both of them in that midfield. I think this England team that I watch are playing with the handbrake on. I think this team are capable of more than what they are showing.’

Statistical Comparison

While Maddison has made a fast start to life at Spurs as well, his two goals and two assists means he is actually behind Bellingham statistically, and the pair did actually start together against Ukraine, though the former was deployed on the left-wing.

It is true that Bellingham’s move to Real Madrid has been a major factor in his rise to prominence with England, but it is also clear that his form has earned him his place in the team. He has scored five goals and provided an assist in his first four games for Madrid, and has been a consistent performer for Southgate’s side since breaking into the starting XI.

Conclusion

It is understandable why Souness would be frustrated by Bellingham’s inclusion in the England team ahead of Maddison, but it is clear that his form has earned him his place in the team. While Maddison may have better statistics than Bellingham, it is clear that Southgate has seen enough from the 20-year-old to warrant his inclusion in the squad.