England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, showered praise on the remarkable Jude Bellingham after the midfielder’s inspiring performance led his team to a 3-1 victory over Italy at Wembley on Tuesday, securing their spot in the Euro 2024 finals.
While the 20-year-old may not have scored in the match, his substantial impact and unwavering confidence in propelling the team forward were truly impressive.
“I was really pleased with the way we controlled the game,” Southgate told reporters.
“With Jude, his mentality is incredible for his age. To have such an impact at such a young age, to show such maturity but also humility. We’re very lucky to have him.”
Bellingham has also made a huge impact at Real Madrid since joining from Borussia Dortmund this year, scoring 10 goals in his first 10 matches.
He said after Tuesday’s game that the move to Real had improved his game 100%.
“When you are around those mentalities and qualities of players every day, it takes you to a new level mentally, physically and technically,” he told the BBC.
Southgate said the youngster had been a “catalyst” for England.
“Just the way he carries himself and the way he plays on the field shows that,” he explained.
“He’s had that since he walked through the door, frankly. Plus, the power in his play gives us something when you’re in tight situations and he can suddenly wriggle out of things.
“I think that belief and that willingness to engage with the crowd are rare traits in a player so young.”
While Bellingham stood out, Southgate made it clear that his captain, Harry Kane, the scorer of two of the goals, one from the penalty spot, had also played a crucial role.
“There’s a risk we take the goals for granted,” he said on a night that saw Kane become England’s all-time top scorer at Wembley with 24 goals.
“But his all-round play, the way he physically dealt with the centre backs, his vision, his passing—because we’ve had him for a while, he’s easy to underestimate but he’s a top-level player.”
Southgate mentioned that Harry Kane’s high-profile transfer from Tottenham to Bayern Munich had injected a renewed sense of motivation.
However, he also notably relished the return to England and being part of the national team once more.
“Our senior players set a brilliant example for the young ones,” said Southgate.