England figures 'not happy with Jude Bellingham video' as inquest begins following Euro 2024 final defeat
Some figures within the England camp weren't happy with a video of Jude Bellingham prior to the start of Euro 2024
REUTERS
Some figures within the England camp weren't happy with a video of Jude Bellingham prior to the start of Euro 2024, according to reports.
The Three Lions' pursuit of glory ended in failure on Sunday night, with Spain securing the trophy with a 2-1 victory following goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Prior to the game, England had been hoping Bellingham would be able to fire them to a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
However, that didn't happen with the Real Madrid star struggling to make his mark on one of the biggest stages of them all.
Some figures within the England camp weren't happy with a video of Jude Bellingham prior to the start of Euro 2024
REUTERS
Before the tournament, Adidas released a video of Bellingham with the midfielder appearing in an advert called 'Hey Jude'.
He was portrayed as the saviour of the England national team, the man who would finally end their spell in the footballing wilderness.
According to The Athletic, while the advert was well-received by the general public, some within the England camp 'felt the tone was at odds with the collective ethos of the squad'.
Bellingham cut a frustrated figure at times throughout the competition in Germany and seemed to be fully aware of the criticism levelled at players for their underwhelming performances.
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And his demeanour was 'the subject of murmurs' within the camp during the past month.
The report says Bellingham, having been fast-tracked through England development teams, hasn't been able to forge too many strong bonds with his team-mates.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is one close friend, with the duo often spotted talking and laughing together in training.
But it seems there are some concerns over whether Bellingham's ego could grow, especially given his stunning season for Real Madrid last term.
After the defeat to Spain, Bellingham cut a dejected figure.
He took his anger out on a water cooler, giving it a kick as his temper boiled over at the Olympiastadion.
Bellingham was consoled by his team-mates, as well as manager Gareth Southgate, as he struggled to come to terms with the agonising defeat.
Southgate's future as England manager is currently up in the air, with his current deal with the Football Association due to expire in December.
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— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) June 13, 2024
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He indicated before the tournament that he would step down from his post if the Three Lions didn't bring the trophy home.
And Bellingham has nothing but positive things to say about the 53-year-old, telling ITV: "For me, it's down to the manager and what the FA decide.
“I’ve got nothing but respect for Gareth giving me my debut in the squad, made me feel very at home.
“He is someone who, I think, in the last year or two as well, our relationship’s kind of gone a little bit past football, where I feel like I can open up to him a lot and I think that speaks volumes of the kind of man he is as well.”
England boss Gareth Southgate consoled Jude Bellingham after Sunday's Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain
GETTY
He added: “Whatever happens with Gareth, I’ll always respect him.
"If he stays, then I’ll be even more determined to win something for him because he deserves it.
“Sometimes the numbers and the kind of statistics, the records don’t lie, he’s been our most successful manager since 1966.
"So whatever he decides, he will always have my respect and my love.”
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