Jude Bellingham will arrive at Euro 2024 with his reputation established as one of the best players in the world, having moved seamlessly from Borussia Dortmund to demonstrate he is the complete package at Real Madrid.
Bellingham produced another masterclass in the victory over Italy, inspiring England’s comeback after they went behind, excelling in every aspect of the game and even orchestrating the Wembley crowd, demanding greater volume when the atmosphere threatened to dip.
He also revels in the adulation of England’s supporters and the addition pressure and expectation this brings. It is a weight he carries with ease. He is, beyond question, the real deal.
England and Southgate are fortunate to have in Bellingham, who will be 21 during Euro 2024, someone who will be the envy of every other country at the tournament.
Even for relatively tender years, Bellingham proved his fearlessness at the World Cup in Qatar and has since improved at a rapid rate.
If it were ever doubted, Bellingham has confirmed his maturity and quality by settling so quickly in The Bernabeu hothouse. He is already a hero to the Madridistas in the number five jersey previously worn by the legendary Zinedine Zidane.
Bellingham offers Southgate a fierce competitive edge, creativity, goals and leadership. He will not shy away from any challenges at Euro 2024.
