England national team manager Gareth Southgate has spoken about the mental state of Three Lions attacking midfielder Jude Bellingham. The England manager stressed the importance of managing Bellingham's workload and ensuring he has time to rest and recharge. "Ultimately, Jude is still developing as a player and as a person. We have to be aware of that and make sure he doesn't burn out. His long-term health and happiness is the priority." Southgate said he was confident that with the right care and guidance, Bellingham would overcome this dip in form and continue to thrive for club and country. "Jude has shown tremendous resilience in the past and I have no doubt he will bounce back stronger than ever. We are here to support him every step of the way."
“The last few weeks have been difficult for him with injuries and a red card so he’s feeling a bit down,” Southgate said. “We’re extremely grateful to have him back but he’s still only 20. The success of our team will depend on the whole squad.” Southgate acknowledged the challenges Bellingham has faced recently, both physically and mentally. “Injuries and disciplinary issues have taken their toll on Jude. He’s a vital part of our team but ultimately he’s still a young man navigating the pressures of international football.”
The England manager stressed the need to support Bellingham through this difficult time. “We have to remember that Jude is still developing as a player and as a person. Our job is to provide him with the care, guidance and time he needs to get back to his best self, on and off the pitch.” Southgate expressed confidence in Bellingham’s ability to bounce back stronger than ever. “Jude has shown incredible resilience in the past, and I am confident he will overcome these obstacles. We are here to support him every step of the way as he continues to grow and improve.”
The focus, Southgate said, will be on the performance of the whole team, not just Bellingham. "The success of our team depends on us all working together, supporting each other and bringing out the best in each other. Jude is a crucial part of that, but he is not alone on this journey."
As a reminder, Bellingham received a red card in the 27th round match of the Spanish league against Valencia (2-2) at the beginning of March. In the 99th minute of added time, Bellingham had scored a goal on a pass from Brahim Díaz, but the referee, Jesús Gil Manzano, had already blown the final whistle a few seconds earlier, before the ball reached the Valencia box. "It was such a heartbreaking moment for Jude," said Southgate. "He worked so hard to get the team's late equaliser, but it was cruelly denied at the end. I can only imagine how frustrated and disappointed he must have felt at that moment."
The England manager sympathised with the young midfielder's emotional state. "Jude is still learning and maturing as a player. Moments like that, where things don't go to plan despite your best efforts, can be very difficult to deal with, especially for someone his age. But I've been impressed by his resilience and ability to bounce back from past setbacks."
