Jude Bellingham, the young midfielder who recently won the Champions League with Real Madrid, is set to lead England’s charge for glory in the Euros. Despite facing pressure and criticism after poor performances in warm-up games, Bellingham has shown maturity both on and off the pitch. His teammate, Toni Kroos, is amazed that Bellingham is only 20 years old and believes he can handle the expectations placed upon him.
Kroos has witnessed Bellingham’s talent firsthand and describes him as a decisive player. He also praises Bellingham’s physicality and ability to withstand pressure, highlighting his right personality for the game. Kroos hopes that Bellingham will be a decisive player for England in the tournament.
Bellingham, in turn, admires Kroos and wishes they had more time together in Spain. Kroos, who is retiring after the tournament, is under pressure to deliver for Germany, as they have not won a knockout match in eight years. He jokes about his country’s lack of success and acknowledges the scrutiny they will face as the host nation.
Meanwhile, England manager Gareth Southgate faces a defensive crisis with key players like Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw injured. This situation may force Southgate to adopt a more attacking approach at Euro 2024. While Southgate has been criticized for his safety-first tactics in the past, the current defensive situation leaves him with no choice but to prioritize attack.
The article highlights the difference in defensive strength between England’s previous tournament in Germany in 2006 and the upcoming one. The experienced quartet of Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher, and John Terry has been replaced by less experienced players like Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Marc Guehi, and Ezri Konsa. The elder statesman in defense now is John Stones, who must stay fit for England’s success.
Kroos acknowledges that German fans have high expectations for their team but jokes that they haven’t seen much success in recent years. He emphasizes the pressure of playing in a home tournament and the responsibility the players feel. However, he also sees it as an honor rather than a burden.
In conclusion, England has a talented young player in Jude Bellingham who can handle the pressure and expectations placed upon him. Toni Kroos, his teammate at Real Madrid, believes Bellingham is a decisive player and praises his physicality and ability to handle pressure. Additionally, England’s defensive crisis may force Gareth Southgate to adopt a more attacking approach at Euro 2024. The article provides insights into the players’ mindsets and highlights the challenges they face in the tournament.