Jude Bellingham, one of England’s brightest football talents, has hit back at critics and the media, claiming he was unfairly treated after the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 campaign. England fell agonizingly short in the tournament, losing 2-1 to Spain in the final — a game that also marked the end of Gareth Southgate’s tenure as manager. Despite Bellingham’s pivotal contributions throughout the competition, the 21-year-old midfielder says he felt targeted and scapegoated in the aftermath.
Bellingham’s Stellar Campaign Marred by Criticism
Bellingham, who played an instrumental role for England during the Euros, started every match and netted two goals on their path to the final. However, criticism over his performances in key moments emerged, particularly after the heartbreak against Spain. Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Liverpool, Bellingham explained how these critiques left a lasting impact on him.
“I felt like I was a little bit mistreated in comparison to what I contributed. I felt a bit like the scapegoat,” he said.
Bellingham also addressed accusations that his lack of media interaction during the tournament was a sign of arrogance. Instead, he revealed deeply personal reasons for his silence, citing intrusive actions by certain members of the press that crossed professional boundaries.
Media Intrusion: A Personal Line Crossed
Bellingham disclosed that during the tournament, some journalists had visited his grandparents’ home in an attempt to dig into his personal life. This unwarranted intrusion deeply affected both him and his family, leaving his grandmother too anxious to leave her home for the rest of the summer.
“I think one of the big criticisms of me was that I didn’t speak to the media, I didn’t want to do any press conferences. I think that was reported in a way that made it sound like I think I’m above it. It’s not that at all,” Bellingham explained.
The midfielder clarified that his decision to avoid media engagements was not about avoiding accountability but rather a reaction to protect his family’s privacy.
“I had some personal things going on where journalists had gone to see members of my family whilst I was at the tournament — they went to visit my grandparents. I don’t think that’s fair. I think that crosses the line of respect,” he said.
Focus on Football and Family
Bellingham chose to prioritize his performance on the pitch, letting his football do the talking rather than addressing the controversy through the press. However, the emotional toll of the situation lingered.
“My family comes first. My nan didn’t want to leave her house for the whole summer, bless her,” he revealed.
The young midfielder expressed regret that he had not communicated these personal challenges earlier, which might have helped others understand his stance.
“Maybe I should have communicated that before so people understood my situation, but that was a little bit more personal to me. That’s why I decided to keep my mouth shut and just focus on the football,” he admitted.
Bouncing Back Under Lee Carsley
After the Euros, Bellingham found solace in working under interim England boss Lee Carsley during the recent international break. Victories against the Republic of Ireland and Greece helped restore his confidence and passion for the game.
“I got my smile back playing under Lee,” Bellingham said, signaling a renewed sense of focus and optimism after a challenging summer.
Maturity Beyond His Years
Bellingham’s measured response to the criticism and his willingness to share his struggles highlight his maturity beyond his years. The Real Madrid midfielder continues to excel on the pitch and is a vital cog for both club and country.
With the Euros now in the rearview mirror, Bellingham’s resilience and determination are clear. As he gears up for future challenges, his story serves as a reminder of the intense pressures faced by young athletes and the importance of respecting their boundaries, both on and off the field.
In football, as in life, growth often comes from adversity, and Jude Bellingham is proving he has the mindset to overcome anything thrown his way.
