Jude Bellingham, the young football sensation who recently celebrated his 21st birthday, has had a remarkable rise to success. In his first season at Real Madrid, he not only won La Liga but also the Champions League. However, despite this early success, Bellingham has faced criticism for his performance in England’s Euro 2024 campaign.
Although Bellingham started the tournament with a bang, scoring the winning goal in England’s opening game against Serbia, his subsequent performances have been lackluster. He has been in the spotlight for his petulant body language during the scrambled draw against Slovenia. Despite these struggles, England’s manager Gareth Southgate still sees Bellingham as a key player and hopes he can reignite the team’s faltering campaign.
Bellingham is known for his world-class ability and remarkable maturity at such a young age. He believes in his own abilities and is determined to make a lasting impact on Euro 2024. If he can achieve this, it may give England the hope that they can salvage something from what has so far been a disappointing tournament. There is still a potentially favorable route to the final for England, but they must find their form and play to their potential.
Before their upcoming match against Slovakia, England’s players have been enjoying some downtime, engaging in activities like golf and padel tennis. Southgate recognizes the importance of relaxation in the intense Euro 2024 bubble. However, it is now time for the team, especially influential players like Bellingham, to step up and deliver.
Unfortunately, Bellingham’s statistics in the tournament so far confirm his struggles. He has only had one attempt on target in three games, from just three efforts in total. He has created only one chance for his teammates. This is a disappointing return for someone who scored 19 league goals for Real Madrid in the previous season.
Bellingham’s dip in form has led to a debate about his place in the England side. Southgate is struggling to find a system that suits both Bellingham and Manchester City’s Phil Foden. At Real Madrid, Bellingham has the freedom to play his natural game, thanks in part to teammate Federico Valverde, who covers his defensive responsibilities. However, with England, Bellingham has not been able to replicate the same level of performance.
Bellingham has shown signs of frustration and inner turmoil amidst England’s mediocre performances. This was particularly evident in the game against Slovenia, where supporters hurled plastic beer cups at Southgate after the final whistle. Former England striker Wayne Rooney expressed sympathy for Bellingham, noting his frustration and gestures of frustration on the pitch.
Despite the criticism and pressure, Southgate remains confident in Bellingham’s abilities. He believes that Bellingham handles the expectations remarkably well for someone his age. In fact, Southgate holds Bellingham in such high regard that he has named him a part of the team’s leadership group at Euro 2024.
Now, England needs Bellingham to showcase his leadership on the pitch and lead the team to success. With his world-class ability and determination, Bellingham has the potential to turn England’s campaign around and give them a chance at glory in the final. It remains to be seen whether he can regain his form and make a significant impact in the remaining matches of Euro 2024.