08 February 2024 , 22:30
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Gareth Southgate knows “remarkable” Jude Bellingham can become the best player in the world.
And that is why Southgate will find it so hard to walk away from his job as England manager before Bellingham realises his full potential. Real Madrid star Bellingham, 20, has blown away all expectations with goals and star-studded performances since moving to Spain.
In Madrid, they describe him as the youngest ever Galactico and is probably the reason why Carlo Ancelotti stayed at Real and could do the same for Southgate. Bellingham has got the chance to make his mark on the Euros this summer and will surely be the biggest talent at the next World Cup.
He has got the world at his feet and rarely have England - if ever - been able to boast about having the best player on the planet. With Harry Kane scoring goals for fun at Bayern Munich and arguably England’s best ever generation of talent coming through, any boss would dream of the chance to manage this lot to glory.
England boss Southgate was not surprised at Bellingham’s development at Real Madrid as he has moved from midfield into attack - and he admits it is a tantalising prospect working with him. Southgate, talking at the Nations League draw, said: “He's been remarkable, really.
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“We know that he can adapt to pretty much anything. Clearly they've used him in a more advanced role. I guess the bit none of us necessarily saw was the number of goals he's scored. He's always looked to make those runs but he hasn't always had that finishing capacity, and he's done that brilliantly.
“I've obviously spoken about him in September, October, November, but he continues to do exceptionally well. Again I know the club are very happy with him. It’s not different to where we have been playing him. It's definitely different to where we started him, but when he's having the success in the role he has it would be silly not to mirror that in terms of where he will play.”
Your turn! Will Jude Bellingham help England win Euro 2024? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
Jude Bellingham has shone since signing for Real Madrid (Bagu Blanco/Pressinphoto /Icon Sport)
Gareth Southgate is drawing up his plans for Euro 2024 in Germany this summer (Julian Finney/Getty Images)Southgate has also kept close tabs on Kane since his move to Bayern Munich this summer and England are now blessed with having two world class players in their attack and arguably the most prolific and deadly of the lot. England will go to the Euros this summer as one of the big favourites with France and, despite them being stuck in League B2 in the Nations League, this generation have a huge opportunity on the biggest stage.
When asked about Kane’s prolific start to his Bayern career, Southgate said: “I would have expected that. Again, the club are delighted to have him. Bayern Munich is one of the biggest clubs in the world. You have to win every week. It's really important for him. That's going to be a tight title run in by the looks of it. Nothing he is doing is surprising me but it's good to see him in form.”
Southgate also admitted his relief that Jordan Henderson has swapped Saudi Arabia for a more competitive style of football with Ajax and went to his debut in Amsterdam last weekend - a decision which drew criticism from some quarters, particularly online. The England boss also said he will “monitor” Kobbie Mainoo but hinted that the Manchester United youngster will not be in his thoughts for this summer’s Euros, such is the wealth of talent already in the squad.
Southgate added: “It's easier to assess someone playing in a European league. For Jordan, I think he'll be excited about the game the other night - a derby atmosphere, playing in a game where firstly the club are absolutely delighted to have him there. He's had a really warm welcome and been really well received, and I'm sure that will mean a lot to him.
“I think Mainoo is doing brilliantly for a young player. He's had an excellent start for Manchester United. I'm not certain he's necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He's quite a progressive player, but he's had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward.”
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