17 October 2023 , 23:00
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Jude Bellingham has revealed that the attacking midfield role is the position that suits him best at the moment following another impressive performance for England.
The 20-year-old starred for the Three Lions once again as they secured a 3-1 victory over Italy at Wembley. After Gianluca Scamacca gave the visitors the lead, Bellingham won the penalty which led to Harry Kane's equaliser before half-time. Marcus Rashford then gave England the lead after a second Bellingham assist, before Kane wrapped up Euro 2024 qualification late on.
Bellingham has been in sublime form since his big-money move to Real Madrid in the summer, scoring 10 goals in his opening 10 matches for Carlo Ancelotti's men. Bellingham has also stood out for England and was notably impressive against Scotland last month, before his impeccable performance against Italy.
In Tuesday's win, Bellingham played as the most advanced midfielder, with Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips in the deeper roles. It is a role that has suited Bellingham, with the former Birmingham ace utilised similarly at Real - and he believes that the no.10 position is his best at the moment.
Speaking to Channel 4, Bellingham said: "I think it's probably the position that suits the two systems I am playing in the most at the minute and the team-mates I am playing with. Last year it was different and obviously, I think the kind of team and system, it would have been a position that didn't maximise all my strengths at the time.
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"I think over the last few months, I have been really working on my timing of getting into the box and when I am arriving, I am arriving with a different kind of hunger. I know with the big transfer and everything that comes with a transfer like that, I know I have to deliver. I know I have to be the one that tries to decide games. It is a lot easier when I start higher to create those moments."
Jude Bellingham celebrates during England's win over Italy (Getty Images)As for England, they have also now booked their place at next summer's European Championships having picked up 16 points from a possible 18 in qualifying so far. The Three Lions face Malta and North Macedonia in their remaining two Group C matches next month, but they have already collected enough points to qualify for Euro 2024.
Southgate was quizzed about his side's performance and praised the way they played. "I think what was really pleasing was when we went behind, we stayed calm. I thought we used the ball really calmly from the back. There have been moments in the big games where we have lost possession too easily," the England boss said.
"Our front players worked unbelievably for the team. Marcus Rashford, I don’t know how much ground he covered today, Phil Foden, Harry Kane too. When your front players are doing that sort of work, it is a brilliant sign for the team."