Jude Bellingham is one of England’s most important players (Picture: Getty)
England legend Alan Shearer has labelled Jude Bellingham as ‘arrogant’ ahead of the Three Lions’ opening match against Serbia at Euro 2024 on Sunday.
Bellingham has established himself as one of the best players in world football and has just helped Real Madrid clinch the Champions League and La Liga title.
The 20-year-old was one of England’s top players at their last major tournament – the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – and eyes will be on the midfielder at Euro 2024.
Ahead of England’s first match against Serbia, Shearer has shared his thoughts on Bellingham after his incredible debut season at Spanish giants Real Madrid.
‘He’s phenomenal,’ Shearer told Betfair. ‘You can’t be anything but hugely impressed because of his stature.
‘He’s got an arrogance in a good way. I’m not saying that in a disrespectful way.
‘To be a top player, you need to have that something about you, and he has got that.
‘We all knew he was a great talent, but the way he has gone into one of, if not the, biggest club in the world and taken it on as if it’s just a walk in the park or a game in the street, he’s playing at the biggest club, it’s phenomenal.
‘Where he also impresses is the way he handles the media side of things. Fairly or unfairly, you’re expected, and it’s a duty of you as an England player to go out and speak to the media, and it’s the same when you’re a Real Madrid player.
‘Not everyone is as eloquent as what you’d want them to be, but the way he handles the questions and the way he handles everything that is thrown at him is so impressive.’
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has ‘got an arrogance in a good way’ (Picture: Getty)
England boss Gareth Southgate lauded Bellingham after his recent Champions League triumph with Real Madrid.
‘He’s got the humility, the understanding,’ Southgate said. ‘Joining a club like Real Madrid, he recognised he had to earn the respect of players like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. But he would’ve also had little respect on the training pitch and attacked that challenge! That’s why he has adapted as well as he has, I’m sure.
‘He’s had a fantastic season. To join the biggest club in the world and perform in the way he has throughout the season, it’s been an incredible year for him. I’m absolutely delighted for him to win [the Champions League].’