Jude Bellingham has called for stronger unity within the England squad as the Three Lions begin another bid to end their 60-year wait for a FIFA World Cup title.
England open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia next Wednesday in Arlington, Texas, hoping to build on recent deep runs at major tournaments after reaching the final of Euro 2024 and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
Bellingham expressed belief that England have learned valuable lessons from their defeat to Spain in last year’s European Championship final, admitting the squad lacked the togetherness needed to go all the way.
Speaking on England’s Lions’ Den show, the midfielder said creating an environment where every player feels valued could make the difference in North America.
Bellingham said, “At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch.
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“I don’t feel like the group connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons. Expectation was part of it – we had done well in 2018 and done well in Qatar [for the 2022 World Cup] and when it came to that tournament we were seen as one of two or three teams that should win it.
“We were not playing particularly well, so even when we were winning you didn’t get the feeling you were as happy as you should be.
“There has to be that element of relentless and wanting to win, but it is the nature of football that wins go out of the system quickly, and we should hold on to that moment a little more.
“I think this time round having those experiences… and knowing, for example, that the guy who scores the winning goal in the World Cup final isn’t always the one you’d bet your house on, so you’ve always got to be ready, everyone’s got to feel loved and feel a huge part of the team. The other thing is just to enjoy it.”
Bellingham, who played a key role in England’s run to the Euro 2024 final, admitted he felt he had become a scapegoat after the team failed to lift the trophy.
The squad, then managed by Gareth Southgate, faced criticism over its performances despite progressing to the final, with many questioning the team’s style of play.
England will now head into the expanded 48-team World Cup under new manager Thomas Tuchel, who is seeking to guide the country to its first world title since the triumph on home soil in 1966.
Bellingham’s message was echoed by England teammate Morgan Rogers, who said the current squad has built a stronger bond ahead of the tournament.
The Aston Villa forward, who is competing with Bellingham for a place in the starting line-up, believes the atmosphere within the camp has improved significantly.
“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, ages – it doesn’t matter in this group. It is a joy to be here.”
England begin their campaign a week after the tournament kicked off with co-hosts Mexico beating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match.
