"First (English) player since Rooney with that confident type of arrogance" - Rio Ferdinand hails England star ahead of Euro 2024 final
Rio Ferdinand recently praised Jude Bellingham, comparing him with English legend Wayne Rooney ahead of England's Euro 2024 final against Spain. The match is currently ongoing at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany (Sunday, July 14).
Bellingham made his senior debut for the Three Lions in November 2020. He has recorded five goals and five assists in 35 appearances across all competitions so far. Rio Ferdinand said about the 21-year-old midfielder (via @MadridXtra on X):
"Bellingham is the first [English] player since Rooney with that confident type of arrogance, he wants to be there."
In his debut season (2023-2024) for Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham netted 23 goals and provided 13 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions. He also won the La Liga, Supercopa de España, and UEFA Champions League with the Spanish giants.
Bellingham's stats in the last season have put him on the list of potential 2024 Ballon d'Or contenders. Rio Ferdinand shared his opinion on this, saying (via @FranceRMCF on X):
"Bellingham can win Ballons d'Or. I would be very surprised if this kid doesn't end his career with at least one, maybe two or three Ballons d'Or."
Adding an international trophy to his list will boost Jude Bellingham's chances of winning the annual award this year. He was also nominated for the 2023 Ballon d'Or.
Sven-Goran Eriksson sends message to England head coach ahead of Euro 2024 final
Sven-Goran Eriksson, who coached England from 2001 to 2006, sent a message to the Three Lions' manager Gareth Southgate ahead of the Euro 2024 final against Spain.
Eriksson, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer some months back, hoped that Southgate would lead the Three Lions to the Euro 2024 final victory. He said (via @The_Forty_Four on X):
"Do it for me, Sir Bobby Robson and England. History awaits England in Berlin on Sunday for all the fans, players and past managers, I hope they beat Spain in the Euro final."
The Three Lions were the UEFA European Championship runners-up in 2020 and ended up in third place twice in 1968 and 1996. However, they are yet to claim the title. Spain, meanwhile, have won the tournament thrice with the last one being in 2012.