Jude Bellingham expressed feeling unfairly targeted after England’s Euro 2024 final loss to Spain. The 21-year-old played every match in the tournament, following a demanding season with 47 appearances for club and country.
Despite leading Real Madrid to a LaLiga-Champions League double, he couldn’t replicate that success for England in Germany, which led to increased scrutiny.Bellingham admitted losing his joy while playing for England post-Euros due to perceived mistreatment. “I lost my smile a lot playing for England after the Euros as I felt I was a little mistreated compared to what I contributed,” he stated before Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Liverpool. He felt like a scapegoat, especially in the days following the final.During the tournament, Bellingham scored twice: a decisive goal against Serbia in the group stage and an acrobatic last-minute equaliser against Slovakia in the round of 16. Despite these contributions, he faced criticism at Euro 2024 for not engaging with the media. He explained that his decision was influenced by personal issues.Bellingham clarified that his media silence was not due to arrogance but personal matters. “That was reported in a way that made it sound like I think I’m above it, but it’s not that at all,” he said. Journalists had approached his family during the tournament, which he found disrespectful and intrusive.His family’s discomfort affected him deeply; his grandmother felt unable to leave her home all summer. Bellingham chose to focus on football rather than engage with media who seemed disrespectful. “My family comes first,” he emphasised, acknowledging he might have communicated his situation better.
Despite these challenges, Bellingham remains focused on his career. His achievements include being the first Englishman on the Ballon d’Or podium since Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in 2005 and being the youngest since Duncan Edwards in 1957. MyKhel Team Mykhel