England and Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham has delivered a startlingly honest assessment of the Three Lions' World Cup campaign in Qatar, revealing the squad never truly believed they could lift the trophy despite their impressive run to the quarter-finals.
The Reality Check From Qatar
In a candid interview that pulls back the curtain on England's tournament mindset, the 20-year-old midfield sensation admitted what many suspected but few players would openly acknowledge. "We never really thought we could win it," Bellingham confessed, shedding light on the psychological barriers that may have ultimately cost England football's ultimate prize.
A Squad Lacking Championship Belief
The young maestro, now dazzling audiences weekly at the Bernabéu, suggested the England camp operated with an underlying uncertainty throughout their Middle Eastern adventure. Despite boasting one of the most talented squads in the competition and coming within touching distance of glory in previous tournaments, that final step to genuine championship conviction remained elusive.
Bellingham's revelation provides fascinating insight into the mental landscape of Gareth Southgate's team as they navigated the unique challenges of Qatar's winter World Cup. The admission comes despite England's strong performances that saw them comfortably navigate their group before falling to eventual finalists France in a tight quarter-final encounter.
Building Towards Euro 2024
This raw honesty from one of England's brightest talents highlights the growth still required as the team builds towards next summer's European Championship in Germany. Bellingham's emergence as both a world-class performer and a vocal leader suggests he could be instrumental in fostering the winning mentality England needs to finally end their trophy drought.
The former Birmingham City prodigy has taken his game to stratospheric levels since his move to Spain, becoming arguably the first name on Southgate's team sheet and a player capable of inspiring those around him to greater heights.
From Qatar Lessons to German Dreams
Bellingham's assessment suggests the Qatar experience, while ultimately falling short of glory, provided valuable lessons about the championship mentality required to conquer international football. As England prepares for Euro 2024, these insights could prove crucial in transforming the Three Lions from perennial contenders into actual trophy-winners.
With Bellingham now established as one of world football's genuine superstars and surrounded by an embarrassment of attacking riches including Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka, the ingredients for success are undoubtedly present. The missing element, according to the midfielder's revealing comments, may simply be that final psychological leap from hopeful to truly believing.
