Jude Bellingham and his England team-mates trudged to another draw at Euro 2024 against Slovenia, with the Real Madrid midfielder losing his temper on one occasion
England star Jude Bellingham let frustration get the better of him during the Three Lions’ tepid 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
Gareth Southgate’s side failed to win for the second time at Euro 2024, although still managed to top Group C on five points. Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham scored in England’s opening game against Serbia, a nervy 1-0 win, but he’s been among their most disappointing performers in the two fixtures since.
There’s huge expectation on the goalscoring midfielder, despite him not turning 21 until this Saturday. As the pressure rose higher, fans noticed Bellingham’s furious outburst during ITV’s coverage on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old lost his temper towards his team-mates near the end of the first half, with England searching for a goal. According to lip-reading expert Jeremy Freeman via the Daily Mail, Bellingham firstly fumed after a corner: “Hey, genuinely put in a f***ing pass.”
Following up on his demand, Bellingham added: “It’s a bit late to control, f***ing pass.”
Real’s £88million signing endured a frustrating night in Cologne, notably losing the most duels (seven) out of anyone who featured on either side. Bellingham also lost possession 16 times, more than any of his team-mates.
Fortunately for England, Denmark’s 0-0 draw with Serbia ensured that the Three Lions stayed top of the group, putting them on what’s considered to be the more favourable side of the knockout draw. Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, former England striker Gary Lineker admitted: “In both halves, I thought Bellingham was sometimes on the left side.
“Jude had a bad night. After a great game against Serbia, he’s struggled since. I think he chases too many lost causes.”
On punditry duty for the BBC, ex-England goalkeeper Joe Hart added: “It just didn’t quite work out, and he’s had a couple of quiet games.”
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Southgate is right behind Bellingham and the rest of England’s squad, though, hitting back at criticism his side have faced. “I understand it, I’m not going to back away from it,” Southgate insisted post-match.
“The most important thing here is the supporters stay with the team. I understand the narrative towards me. That’s better for the team than it being towards them. But it’s creating an unusual environment to operate in.
“I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar. I understand it, I’m not going to back away from it but I’m very, very proud of the players for how they’re operating within it.”
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