17 June 2023 , 21:30
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Gareth Southgate has no doubts that Jude Bellingham will be a Real Madrid galactico.
Bellingham has taken on the challenge of his life by moving to the Bernabeu in an £83 million deal - and now the pressure is on him to deliver on the biggest stage in club football.
England boss Southgate is backing the teenager to excel in La Liga after a successful spell with Borussia Dortmund after leaving Birmingham two years ago.
Southgate said: “I think Jude has always adapted to everything he’s needed to in a very short period.
“He adapted to living away from home in Germany really well.
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“And even when he came into our group, he was coming in to work with higher profile players and big characters.
“Jude had the humility off the field to get on with the group, but also the determination on the pitch to earn respect.
“I am sure he’ll find that balance at Madrid as well - and it’s a wonderful opportunity for him.”
Bellingham cut an impressive figure when he was unveiled by Madrid in midweek.
A lingering knee problem has sidelined him for England’s two Euro qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
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Jude Bellingham has been unveiled as a Real Madrid player (Real Madrid via Getty Images)
Trent Alexander-Arnold came into midfield for the 4-0 romp over Malta on Friday night - and excelled.
Now the 24-year-old will be looking to build on a performance he capped with a stunning goal when the Three Lions face the North Macedonians at Old Trafford.
Alexander-Arnold was employed as an inverted full-back by Jurgen Klopp in the latter stages of the Premier League season.
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Southgate handed him the No 10 shirt after discussions with the Liverpool star about how to make the most of his attacking talents.
The England boss admitted that it has been a challenge finding a role for Alexander-Arnold.
Trent Alexander-Arnold stepped into midfield against Malta (Bagu Blanco/REX/Shutterstock)Southgate said: “It’s hard to give somebody faith. You can’t have them all believe they’re your favourite son because in the end you can’t justify that with your actions.
“Whenever you’re putting other players in, it is inevitably going to hit somebody’s confidence.
“But that doesn’t mean I haven’t seen the quality of Trent or had belief in what’s possible.
“The transition was a bit easier as he’s been playing in those areas for his club - but let’s see where it takes us.
“I don't think we can say after a game against opponents like Malta: ‘that’s it, it’s there.’
“But Trent did brilliantly and it’s something really exciting going forward.”
Gareth Southgate has decisions to make ahead of England's next game (The FA via Getty Images)Southgate added: “I had a chat with Trent four weeks ago and he was excited.
“We talked really detailed specifics about what it would look like and how I saw it.
“He was curious. He asked intelligent questions.
“It’s been difficult - not our relationship because I’ve always got on well with him.
“But we are giving him a lot of confidence by investing in him something specific, where he will have a different feel.
“I am sure he will probably have enjoyed this England game more than any other.
“I've always said he’s a talent we are trying to find a way with.”