Jude Bellingham tells Gareth Southgate where he wants to play after starring role in England’s victory over Scotland
Jude Bellingham has told Gareth Southgate where he would prefer to play following his starring role in England’s victory over Scotland.
The Real Madrid star had a hand in all of the Three Lions’ goals on Tuesday night as they beat the Tartan Army 3-1 at Hampden Park in a friendly.
Bellingham’s All-Round Game
Though he rose to prominence for his all-round game, the midfielder’s attacking abilities have been on display most recently, with five goals and an assist in his first four games for Real since his big money summer move.
These numbers are partly down to Carlo Ancelotti playing him in a more advanced role as a No.10, similar to how he was deployed by Southgate against Scotland.
Bellingham’s Performance Against Scotland
It had a far better effect in Glasgow than it did against Ukraine last Saturday, a point that Bellingham was keen to point out himself post-match.
‘I wasn’t happy with how I played against Ukraine, it wasn’t anywhere near my best and the motivation is always to get back to your best. I got somewhere close tonight,’ the 20-year-old told Channel 4.
‘It’s just a freedom role really. I get given the freedom by the amazing teammates and manager that I have [at Real Madrid]. I know it depends on the system we play, and we’ve got so many amazing players to accommodate, and so the team comes first always. I really enjoyed playing in that [same] position today.’
Praise for Bellingham
Scotland legend Graeme Souness, who had ahead of the match bizarrely aimed a dig at the player, changed his tune after full-time, calling Bellingham: ‘The real deal.’
‘For a young man to have that kind of football brain. He’s a real athlete, a real powerhouse. That’s the first time I’ve seen him live – I love watching him.’
Southgate was equally full of praise, adding: ‘He [Bellingham] doesn’t have a point to prove to us, we know he is a really good player.
‘Saturday was not his best game but we weren’t at the level we wanted to be and we knew he has a fantastic personality to come back from that.
‘His performances have been outstanding and one performance isn’t going to change that. As an attacking eight, or where he played tonight, he looks to get into the box.
‘Tonight his athleticism to press was so important. Scotland’s system is difficult to play against so we slightly changed our system and he did that well.’
Bellingham’s Future with England
Bellingham is expected to be an integral player for England for over the next decade, with some even tipping him as a future Three Lions captain.
The midfielder’s performance against Scotland was a testament to his talent and potential, and it looks like he has found his preferred position in Gareth Southgate’s side.
With Bellingham now firmly established as one of England’s key players, it will be interesting to see how he progresses in the coming years.
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