"His body language is not good when things are not going the right way" – Pundit calls out Jude Bellingham's attitude ahead of Euro 2024 final
Ex-Germany international Markus Babbel has slammed Jude Bellingham's attitude ahead of England's UEFA Euro 2024 final match against Spain in Berlin on Sunday (July 14).
Bellingham, 21, has been an ever-present figure for Gareth Southgate's side at the Euro 2024 after his brilliant campaign for Real Madrid. He has started all six of The Three Lions' matches in the ongoing tournament, netting a crucial overhead kick in their last-16 game.
Ahead of the summit clash at Olympiastadion, Babbel shared his two cents on the Real Madrid star's performances in Germany. He told NewBettingOffers.co.uk (h/t Football365):
"I'm not sure what Jude Bellingham's best position is, because he's running everywhere. I have a feeling that he is now starting to think that he's a superstar. And I don't like this attitude. You don't see it from players like say Bukayo Saka or Jamal Musiala. With Bellingham, if you touch him a little bit, he's always falling down."
The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool defender continued:
"His body language is not good when things are not going the right way for him. He is now 21 and everyone respects him because he is a natural leader but I worry that he thinks the players around him are not good enough. He should show his leadership on the pitch and do everything he can to win the game but also recognise that everyone on the team is important."
Opining on the England midfielder's Euro 2024 outings, Babbel added:
"He can handle the pressure... he joined Real Madrid and went on to win the La Liga and the Champions League. But he doesn't look like the same player in an England shirt – there are so many things going on in his head and he might be finding it hard to motivate himself for games against smaller nations, such as Serbia and Slovakia."
How did England star Jude Bellingham fare for Real Madrid before start of Euro 2024
After months of a number of speculations, Jude Bellingham secured a £115 million move from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid last summer. He helped his club win three trophies, including the La Liga title, and the UEFA Champions League trophy in the 2023-24 term.
Operating in an attacking midfield role in a 4-4-2 diamond system, the Englishman found the back of the net 23 times in 42 games for Real Madrid. He also registered 13 assists across competitions last season.
However, the Birmingham City youth product has struggled to replicate his form for England at the Euro 2024. The right-footed midfielder has scored two goals for The Three Lions, featuring in a number 10 role.