FOR WHOM THE BELL TOILS
Southgate will stay on as he knows Jude can become the best player on the planet
ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate is convinced Jude Bellingham can become the best player in the world.
And that is why he will find it almost impossible to walk away from his job before Bellingham realises his full potential.
The 20-year-old has blown away expectations with goals and star-studded performances since moving to Real Madrid.
Bellingham has got the chance to make his mark on the Euros this summer and will surely be the biggest talent at the next World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
With Harry Kane scoring goals for fun at Bayern Munich and arguably England’s best-ever generation of talent coming through, no wonder Southgate is licking his lips.
The Three Lions boss said he has not been surprised by Bellingham’s development at Real Madrid since switching from midfield to attack, though his goal tally has probably raised a few eyebrows.
Southgate, talking at the Nations League draw, said about the Stourbridge-born youngster: “He’s been remarkable, really. We know that he can adapt to pretty much anything. Clearly they (Real) have used him in a more advanced role. I guess the bit none of us necessarily saw was the number of goals he’d score.
“He’s always looked to make those runs but he hasn’t always had that finishing capacity, and he’s done that brilliantly. I’ve spoken about him in September, October, November but he continues to do exceptionally well. And I know the club are very happy with him.”
And it’s clear Southgate will hand Bellingham a more attacking role this summer. “It’s not that different to where we have been playing him but it’s different to where we started him. When he’s having the success he’s having in the role he’s playing it would be silly not to mirror that in terms of where he will play.”
Southgate has also kept close tabs on Kane since his move to Bayern Munich this summer and England are now blessed with having two world-class players in their attack.
England will go to the Euros as one of the bookies’ favourites and, despite being stuck in League B2 in the Nations League, this generation of Three Lions stars has a huge opportunity on the biggest stage.
When asked about Kane’s prolific start to his Bayern career, Southgate said: “I would have expected that. Bayern Munich is one of the biggest clubs in the world. You have to win every week but it’s going to be a tight title run in by the looks of it. Nothing he is doing is surprising me but it’s good to see him in form.”
Southgate also admitted his relief that Jordan Henderson has swapped Saudi Arabia for a more competitive style of football with
Ajax and watched the former Liverpool skipper’s debut in Amsterdam last weekend.
The England boss also said he will monitor Kobbie Mainoo but hinted that the Manchester United kid will not be in his thoughts for this summer’s Euros given the wealth of talent already in the squad.
Southgate added: “It’s easier to assess someone playing in a European league. For Jordan, his club are absolutely delighted to have him there. He’s had a really warm welcome and been really well received and I’m sure that will mean a lot to him.
“Mainoo is doing brilliantly for a young player. He’s had an excellent start for United. I’m not certain he’s necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He’s quite a progressive player but he’s had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward.”
England are 3-1 favourites for Euro 2024, followed by France at 7-2.