Maha Christopher
England midfielder Jude Bellingham believes the national team is entering this summer’s World Cup with a stronger sense of unity than it had during its run to the Euro 2024 final.
According to The Punch, Bellingham reflected on England’s experience at the European Championship, where the Three Lions reached the final before losing to Spain, and said the squad has learned valuable lessons both on and off the pitch.
Speaking on England’s Lions’ Den show, as reported by BBC Sport, the Real Madrid star admitted the team struggled with cohesion during the tournament.
“At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch. I don’t feel like the group was connected as well as it could have been for a number of reasons. Expectation was part of it,” Bellingham said.
Despite reaching the final, England’s performances often attracted criticism, with the team failing to consistently impress despite securing results.
“We were not playing particularly well, so even when we were winning you didn’t get the feeling you were as happy as you should be,” he added.
The 22 year old stressed the need for the squad to balance its desire for success with the ability to enjoy achievements along the way.
“There has to be that element of relentlessness and wanting to win, but it is the nature of football that wins go out of the system quickly and we should hold on to that moment a little more,” he said.
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Bellingham emphasised the importance of ensuring every player feels valued and involved, regardless of their role within the squad.
“I think this time round, having those experiences, and knowing that the guy who scores the winning goal in the World Cup final isn’t always the one you’d expect, everyone has got to be ready. Everyone has got to feel loved and feel a huge part of the team,” he said.
England will begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, as they aim to end their long wait for major international silverware.
