Jude Bellingham entered the tournament as one of the frontrunners for the Ballon d’Or, thanks to an exceptional debut season with Real Madrid.
He started strong, impressing in England’s opening victory against Serbia. However, his performances took a downturn during the subsequent draws with Denmark and Slovenia, leading to widespread criticism.
This dip in form has even led some to call for manager Gareth Southgate to bench Bellingham for the upcoming last-16 match against Slovakia. In response, Southgate emphasized that he is focused on finding a solution to England’s struggling attack.
He addressed the media, stating that his discussions with Bellingham would remain private. “I will have those messages with [Bellingham] rather than plaster them over the papers,” Southgate said. He stressed the importance of team cohesion, highlighting that sometimes the game’s dynamics mean more opportunities arise for other players. “We have to play as a team at all times, and some days the space will be where there is more opportunity for our wingers,” Southgate explained.
He noted that Slovenia’s narrow defense allowed England’s wingers to shine. He praised Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and substitute Cole Palmer for their performances, indicating that the team was closer to their desired form.
Despite Southgate’s reassurances, concerns about Bellingham’s form persist. England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney weighed in on the issue during the Football Daily podcast, noting that something seems off with Bellingham this summer. “Jude started the first game well, but I’m sure he’d tell you himself he hasn’t had the best games in the last two,” Rooney remarked.
He observed that Bellingham has appeared frustrated, recalling his own experiences in similar situations. “You saw him throwing his arms up in the air against Slovenia,” Rooney pointed out, suggesting that Bellingham’s behavior indicates his dissatisfaction.
Rooney also commented on Bellingham’s role as a talisman for both England and Real Madrid, noting his surprising silence. “As one of the iconic players now for England in the squad, he should be fronting that. That tells me that he’s probably not quite right in the tournament,” Rooney speculated.
He stressed that Bellingham’s frustration is not due to a lack of effort, but rather his high expectations and demands from his teammates. “He’s giving it his all, 100%. I don’t think that’s the problem,” Rooney said, interpreting Bellingham’s behavior as a sign of his desire for more from his team.
Rooney’s comments, while critical, also contained a note of caution. He admired Bellingham’s passion and leadership but warned against the potential consequences of unchecked frustration. “You want players demanding more from their teammates, and I think that’s what he was trying to do,” Rooney noted, adding that Bellingham’s behavior, though commendable, could lead to unnecessary trouble. “You just don’t want that to boil over to the point where he might pick up a silly red card,”Rooney concluded.
