Jude Bellingham has been told by Gareth Southgate to conserve his energy so he can lead England’s Euro 2020 campaign while being “psychologically fresh.”
The Real Madrid star has been handed six days off by Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate before he rejoins his team on Saturday.
He will therefore miss Iceland’s match at Wembley on Friday and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro warm-up match on Monday in Newcastle.
Jude Bellingham has lit up Real Madrid this season and got the same treatment himself back in Spain after Champions League glory at Wembley
Real took the plaudits for a record 15th Champions League crown
Bellingham, 20, assisted Real Madrid in winning their 15th European Cup on Saturday at Wembley against his old team, Borussia Dortmund.
The midfield player, who was back in Madrid on Sunday night for the Champions League celebrations, played in his 47th game for both club and country this season.
When questioned about Bellingham’s absence, Southgate stated, “We will benefit from rest and recovery as it is the most important thing.”
That is international football’s limitation. You have to figure out what matters most, and for Jude—and the team—that means mentally disengaging and getting well. It all comes down to psychological youth.
“He is had an incredible season. It has been amazing for him to play the way he has this season and join the biggest club in the world.
Bellingham, who set up Vinicius Junior for Real’s second goal to secure the biggest victory of his career to date, acclaimed the “best night” of his life.
After that, the 29-cap star was silent for a little while before breaking down in tears upon seeing his family in the crowd.
“I was okay until I was up in my mum and dad’s face… and my little brother who I am trying to be a role model for,” he said to TNT Sports.
“There are many evenings when they [his parents] could be home by 7 o’clock, but instead they take me to football at 11 or 12 of the clock in the evening.
It is better than I could have imagined. It is just unbelievable to me.”
Then, on Sunday, supporters flocked to the streets of Madrid to honour their heroes, especially Bellingham for his incredible debut season with the Spanish powerhouses.
Bellingham topped off his joy by popping the trophy on his head
Bellingham was overcome when he greeted mum Denise after victory
7He dressed up for Real’s Champions League-winning celebrations back in Madrid at the Plaza de Cibeles on SundayCredit: Splash
“I don’t mind the pressure. I feel like I can definitely be a lot better for the national team.
“I’m so determined now to put on the shirt and prove everyone wrong and try to continue my form.”
This season, the former Birmingham star has scored 25 goals.
“I am absolutely delighted for him to win,” Southgate continued.
“The way he comes across in his interviews is the way he is, so his parents deserve a lot of credit for that. He is sincere. He is that way every single day.
Phil Foden, right, agrees he could step up to the plate more for England, like midfielders Declan Rice and Bellingham have done
Harry Kane will not be playing for England, so teammate Kieran Trippier, who will captain the nation on Monday, remarked, “He does not seem like a 20-year-old.” He is extremely adult for his age.
“All the boys are ecstatic for Jude since he is a Real Madrid player, and he has handled the pressure well.
“We are eager to meet with him, and we hope he can carry that form back to England.”
People tell me I should do more to represent my nation. I am not afraid of pressure. I think I can contribute far more to the national team.
Phil Foden
Phil Foden is aware that following a successful club season at Manchester City, he will also be in the spotlight at Euro 2024.
And he is keen to show that he can repeat that performance for England.
Foden, 24, excelled in a more central role and was voted Premier League player of the season.
After participating in his first McDonald’s Fun Football session, he commented, “I feel a lot of pressure.”
Many people are telling me that I should do more for my nation.