Jude Bellingham ‘can be the difference’ for England, says Kieran Trippier

“Jude Bellingham could be the game-changer for England,” insists Kieran Trippier

In England’s quest to clinch their first men’s major tournament victory since the iconic 1966 World Cup triumph, Kieran Trippier, a fellow Three Lions teammate, believes Jude Bellingham is the key. With a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy looming, a win would secure their spot in the tournament, and Bellingham’s remarkable form with Real Madrid, where he’s netted an impressive 10 goals in his first 10 games this season, makes him a pivotal player.

Trippier showered praise on the 20-year-old midfielder, highlighting his maturity, quality, and aggression as standout attributes. “With the maturity, quality, and aggression he’s got, he’s frightening,” said Trippier, who certainly knows a thing or two about top-level football, having played for Atletico Madrid.

England’s recent history in major tournaments, under the guidance of Gareth Southgate, has been marked by near-misses. They reached the semi-finals of the World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, only to fall short on both occasions. Bellingham, who made a high-profile move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for a whopping 103 million euros in the summer, is on the fast track to becoming a key component of Southgate’s midfield.

Trippier’s admiration for Bellingham continued: “If you play well there in Madrid, the fans will love you. It’s no surprise to me how he’s started there because Jude is frightening.” He also emphasized Bellingham’s previous success at Dortmund, noting how he’s carried that experience with him. The young midfielder is playing with a sense of freedom and is surrounded by top-class players, a combination that could see his standards soar even higher. And the most jaw-dropping part of the story? He’s only 20 years old. As Trippier aptly puts it, “He can be the difference.”

But England’s progress isn’t solely reliant on Bellingham. Trippier sees a bright future for the team as a whole, acknowledging the significant strides they’ve made since 2018. The Euros final loss may have stung, but the overarching theme is one of progress and promise. The squad now boasts players who can turn the tide of games, with contributions coming from all over the pitch. Players like Jude Bellingham, James Maddison, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden are youthful yet capable of making game-changing moments. Trippier underscored that representing England is a big deal, and these young talents are excelling at the highest levels of the game.

Amid the optimism, Trippier also came to the defense of Jordan Henderson, a teammate who faced boos from some fans during a recent friendly match against Australia. Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq sparked controversy due to the country’s policies, particularly those related to LGBTQ+ issues. The former Liverpool captain was known for his support of the LGBTQ+ community during his time at Liverpool. Trippier vouched for Henderson’s character, describing him as an outstanding leader, both on and off the field. Regardless of the controversies surrounding his move, Henderson’s dedication to the team and his high standards are unquestionable.

In the end, England’s journey towards major tournament success is marked by hope, talent, and a core of passionate players who are determined to make a difference, led by the frighteningly talented Jude Bellingham.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Euro 2024

More about Euro 2024

• BBC Sport: For comprehensive sports news and coverage.
• The Guardian: A source of in-depth sports journalism.
• Sky Sports: Another leading sports news outlet with the latest updates.
• Real Madrid Official Website: For official information about Real Madrid and their players.
• UEFA Euro 2024: Official site for Euro 2024 information.
• Jordan Henderson Twitter: For updates from Jordan Henderson’s social media account.