Jude Bellingham has opened up about the troubled atmosphere within the England camp during Euro 2024, as he competes with Morgan Rogers for the No. 10 role at the World Cup. The Real Madrid star reflected on the squad's lack of cohesion under former manager Gareth Southgate, who led the team to the final but faced criticism for a disjointed campaign.
Bellingham on Euro 2024 Issues
Speaking on the FA's Lion's Den show, Bellingham said: "At the Euros, I think we got a few things wrong off the pitch. I don't feel the group connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons. When it came to the tournament, we were seen as one of two or three teams that could win it. We weren't playing well, which doesn't help, so even when we were winning, we didn't get the feeling that we were as happy as we should be."
Southgate's tenure ended after Euro 2024, with Thomas Tuchel now in charge. Tuchel has emphasized building a "brotherhood" and has included experienced players like Jordan Henderson and Dan Burn to foster leadership. However, Bellingham admitted the squad's performance was subpar, despite reaching the final where they lost to Spain.
Battle with Morgan Rogers
Bellingham faces a fierce competition for the No. 10 position against his childhood friend Morgan Rogers. The two are vying for a starting spot in England's group opener against Croatia. Bellingham described their rivalry as friendly: "As a person, he is a top guy. He can get along with anyone. We have debates that turn into arguments a lot, but we get on like brothers. The manager has made it clear we are playing for the same position, but I have no ill feelings when he is playing and I'm not playing."
Bellingham's comments highlight the challenges England faced off the pitch, which he believes impacted their performance. Despite scoring a stunning overhead kick to save England against Slovakia, he recalled the discomfort of the situation: "I still remember how I was feeling at the time. It always makes me feel a bit uncomfortable because it was such a bad situation. We weren't playing well. I remember as a kid watching World Cups and Euros where we crashed out against teams we shouldn't have gone out to, and I thought, 'I'm about to be a part of one of those moments.'"
England now look to Tuchel to foster a more harmonious camp as they aim for World Cup glory.
