England heads into the 2022 World Cup without a win in their last six competitive games. Even. all hope is not lost before the trip to Qatar. Jude Bellingham gives the nation its first chance at success since 1966.
Gareth Southgate has been under considerable pressure as England manager throughout this poor run of results. This is regardless of the fact that he led England to their most successful European Championship result and best World Cup result in over 50 years.
Fans called for him to be fired ahead of the tournament. But, the reality is that he has simply tried to find alternative solutions in the games.
The Nations League was a promising concept at first, but now teams are just using it to test players in different positions against strong opponents before a tournament. Southgate does the same with England. Consequently, the results of him suffered. Even then, Monday’s second-half display against Germany showed that the team can still be a real contender.
Gareth Southgate learning lessons after run of form
While the results have fans in a state of panic, Southgate has collected valuable information on his England squad since Euro 2020.
Harry Maguire’s form and lack of confidence at Manchester United made him an expendable commodity. This decision is made easier given the Premier League form of John Stones and Eric Dier.
However, the main takeaway is the rise and subsequent use of Jude Bellingham in midfield.
Great things come from Jude Bellingham ???? pic.twitter.com/LT0YFIUQoo
— GOAL (@goal) September 27, 2022
If Phil Foden is heir to Paul Gascoigne’s throne as England’s creative master, then the Borussia Dortmund midfielder has the makings of being the best midfielder the Three Lions have had since Bryan Robson.
Jude Bellingham appearance
Rarely do you see such a complete midfielder at such a young age, but Bellingham has absolutely everything. The years he spent in the Bundesliga helped hone his natural talent with regular playing time at the highest level. In addition, his experience in the Champions League has been vital. At 1.86m tall and quite imposing but fluid in stature, like Patrick Vieira, Bellingham can do it all in midfield.
Against Germany, it was the catalyst for change. He kept the ball moving in tight spaces, as well as winning the penalty thanks to excellent anticipation.
He excels in areas where Declan Rice struggles, primarily ball progression. Now, Bellingham is an invaluable player in that association when England have possession.
Jude Bellingham can star with England in the World Cup
England fell short at the semi-final stage in Russia four years ago. A smarter Croatia team just figured out how to destabilize Southgate’s charges. It was painfully obvious at the time how England needed a calm head in midfield. There wasn’t a player who could keep the ball both forward and away from Luka Modric.
Gary Neville lamented the lack of such a player in UK ITV’s coverage of the semi-final in 2018. Little did he know, however, that the player he was describing was about to rise through the ranks.
Paul Scholes stands as the last great English playmaker from a deeper midfield position. Unfortunately, the presence of both Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard often meant he was roughed up by managers.
Bellingham won’t have that problem. He is coming into the team right now. He needs a player with his skills and there is no direct competition.
A place in the starting XI is a guarantee for the former Birmingham City academy graduate. Unless Bellingham plays, England are highly unlikely to win the big games in Qatar.
Southgate may well have the last laugh in December. By taking all the criticism leading up to the tournament just to have discovered a perfect player for a specific role. A player who could finally propel England over the line, and Jude Bellingham is just that.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo
