Jude Bellingham scored an assisted for England against Scotland (Photo: Getty)
Jude Bellingham has told Gareth Southgate where he would prefer to play following his starring role in England’s victory over Scotland.
The Real Madrid star had a hand in all of the Three Lions’ goals on Tuesday night as they beat the Tartan Army 3-1 at Hampden Park in a friendly.
He was involved in the build-up to Phil Foden’s opener, before scoring himself minutes later, and rounded off the night with an assist for Harry Kane.
Though he rose to prominence for his all-round game, the midfielder’s attacking abilities have been on display most recently, with five goals and an assist in his first four games for Real since his big money summer move.
These numbers are partly down to Carlo Ancelotti playing him in a more advanced role as a No.10, similar to how he was deployed by Southgate against Scotland.
It had a far better effect in Glasgow than it did against Ukraine last Saturday, a point that Bellingham was keen to point out himself post-match.
‘I wasn’t happy with how I played against Ukraine, it wasn’t anywhere near my best and the motivation is always to get back to your best. I got somewhere close tonight,’ the 20-year-old told Channel 4.
‘It’s just a freedom role really. I get given the freedom by the amazing teammates and manager that I have [at Real Madrid].
‘I know it depends on the system we play, and we’ve got so many amazing players to accommodate, and so the team comes first always. I really enjoyed playing in that [same] position today.
‘A lot of the lads felt like they didn’t perform to their level [against Ukraine]. That’s a great attitude to have, and still be able to take the positives into the next game.
‘Having these big wins helps build camaraderie in the group.’
Bellingham is expected to be an integral player for England for over the next decade, with some even tipping him as a future Three Lions captain.
Scotland legend Graeme Souness, who had ahead of the match bizarrely aimed a dig at the player, changed his tune after full-time, calling Bellingham: ‘The real deal.
Gareth Southgate was full of praise for Bellingham (Photo: Getty)
‘For a young man to have that kind of football brain. He’s a real athlete, a real powerhouse. That’s the first time I’ve seen him live – I love watching him.’
Southgate was equally full of praise, adding: ‘He [Bellingham] doesn’t have a point to prove to us, we know he is a really good player.
‘Saturday was not his best game but we weren’t at the level we wanted to be and we knew he has a fantastic personality to come back from that.
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‘His performances have been outstanding and one performance isn’t going to change that. As an attacking eight, or where he played tonight, he looks to get into the box.
‘Tonight his athleticism to press was so important. Scotland’s system is difficult to play against so we slightly changed our system and he did that well.’
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