Gareth Southgate to Address Jude Bellingham's Euro 2024 Form

Bellingham Faces Criticism for Recent Performances  
Southgate Plans Discussion Ahead of Knockout Stage

England manager Gareth Southgate has announced plans to speak with midfielder Jude Bellingham to understand his struggles during the group stage of Euro 2024.

Bellingham, who entered the tournament as a Ballon d'Or favorite following an impressive debut season with Real Madrid, shone in the opening win against Serbia but struggled in subsequent draws with Denmark and Slovenia.

With calls for Bellingham to be benched for the last-16 match against Slovakia on Sunday, Southgate is focused on resolving England's offensive issues.

"I will have those messages with [Bellingham] rather than plaster them over the papers," Southgate told the media. "It's about the team. We have to play as a team at all times and some days the space will be where there is more opportunity for our wingers. As Slovenia defended narrow, our wingers could show what they could do.

"It was a little bit harder to play through the middle. I thought Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka did very well and Cole Palmer obviously had a good impact when he came on. That is what a team is.

"For everyone else, you have to focus on individuals but for me it is about the team functioning and we were closer to where we want to be."

Bellingham has shown visible frustration at times, with England and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney noting there's something "not quite right" with the midfielder this summer.

"Jude started the first game well but I'm sure he'd tell you himself he hasn’t had the best games in the last two," Rooney said on the Football Daily podcast. "For me, he's looked very frustrated. I've been there, exactly the position he's in, even the game [against Slovenia], you saw him throwing his arms up in the air.

"As a talisman for England and Real Madrid, I haven't heard him speak. What is the reason for that? As one of the iconic players now for England in the squad, he should be fronting that. That tells me that he’s probably not quite right in the tournament.

"He's giving it his all, 100%, I don’t think that's the problem. You want players demanding more from their teammates, and I think that's what he was trying to do. So, it's not a criticism, it is a compliment in some ways but you just don't want that to boil over to the point where he might pick up a silly red card."

 
Despite finishing top of Group C, England's performances have drawn criticism, placing Southgate and his players under immense pressure. Southgate acknowledged the team's lack of fortune in front of goal but remains focused on turning things around as they head into the knockout stages.

"We haven't been at our best in front of goal, but we are creating chances," Southgate admitted. "It's about finding that clinical edge and making sure we capitalize on our opportunities. We have the talent and the capability to do it, and it's now about putting it all together when it matters most."

Looking Forward to the Knockout Stage 
As England prepares for the crucial clash against Slovakia, Southgate's focus is on ensuring his squad is mentally and physically ready. The manager has emphasized teamwork and unity, looking to leverage the strengths of his players to overcome any challenges they face.

"Every game from now on is a final," Southgate stated. "We need to approach it with the right mindset and intensity. The players are aware of what is at stake, and I have full confidence in their ability to rise to the occasion."

The Three Lions will be looking to make a statement in the knockout stages and reaffirm their status as one of the tournament's top contenders. With key players like Bellingham needing to find their form, the upcoming matches will be a true test of England's resilience and ambition.