Jude Bellingham Calls for Stronger England Bond Ahead of 2026 World Cup
England midfielder Jude Bellingham believes that fostering a deeper sense of belonging among teammates could finally break the nation’s six‑decade World Cup drought. Speaking after England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, Bellingham stressed that every player must “feel loved” if the Three Lions are to triumph in North America this summer.
The 22‑year‑old reflected on the shortcomings exposed during the European Championship, admitting that the squad’s off‑field chemistry fell short of what was needed to handle pressure. “At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch,” he said on the Lions’ Den show.
Bellingham noted that high expectations, built on strong showings in 2018 and Qatar, weighed on the team. Despite reaching the final, performances were inconsistent and the joy of victory felt muted.
He added that the current camp feels different, urging players to enjoy the journey while keeping their winning mentality alive. “There has to be that relentless desire to win, but football’s triumphs fade quickly. We must savour those moments a little more,” he explained.
Drawing on recent experiences, Bellingham emphasized that the scorer of a World Cup‑winning goal is often unpredictable, so every squad member must be ready and feel a genuine part of the unit. “Everyone’s got to feel loved and feel a huge part of the team. The other thing is just to enjoy it,” he said.
England have not lifted the World Cup trophy since 1966. Teammate Morgan Rogers echoed Bellingham’s call for unity, noting that the squad’s chemistry makes it easy for players from diverse clubs and backgrounds to integrate.
“We are really aligned and it is really easy and seamless for anyone to fit in the group,” Rogers said. “Wherever you are from, wherever you play, it doesn’t matter in this group. It is a joy to be here.”
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