Germany midfielder Toni Kroos has praised his Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham, calling him “the complete package” and expressing confidence in his ability to handle the pressure of English expectation at Euro 2024. Kroos, who played alongside Bellingham as Real Madrid won the Champions League final, was impressed by the maturity and composure displayed by the 20-year-old midfielder. Despite his young age, Bellingham carries himself in a way that belies his years, according to Kroos.
Bellingham, who became Birmingham City’s youngest ever player at the age of 16, made his England debut in November 2020 and is expected to play a central role in the Three Lions’ bid for glory in Germany. Kroos spoke highly of Bellingham’s impact at Real Madrid, highlighting his immediate influence on the team. The veteran midfielder believes that Bellingham’s personality and ability to handle pressure will be key to his success at the tournament.
England, considered one of the pre-tournament favorites, kicked off their campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday. Bellingham trained alongside his teammates at their open training session in Jena, further demonstrating his importance to the squad. Kroos acknowledged the weight of expectation on Bellingham’s shoulders in England but expressed confidence that he can handle it.
In addition to praising Bellingham, Kroos discussed his own future in football. The 34-year-old announced that he will retire after this summer’s European Championship, marking the end of a successful career. Kroos began his senior career at Bayern Munich before joining Real Madrid, where he recently won his sixth Champions League title. He made the decision to return to the German national team in February because he believes they can win the tournament. Kroos emphasized his desire for success and his ambition to win every competition he participates in.
Overall, Kroos’ comments provide valuable insights into the potential of Jude Bellingham and his ability to handle the pressure of representing England at Euro 2024. Kroos’ experience and perspective lend credibility to his praise of Bellingham, making his words carry more weight. This analysis offers readers a deeper understanding of Bellingham’s qualities and raises expectations for his performance in the tournament.