Jermaine Jenas insists Jude Bellingham must be England manager Thomas Tuchel’s undisputed choice to start in the number 10 role against Croatia, describing the Real Madrid maestro as the country’s most gifted individual talent.
Jenas acknowledged that Bellingham has endured a difficult club campaign disrupted by repetitive injuries, but he firmly believes the 22-year-old possesses the elite character and aura required to carry the national team in major tournament moments.
The 21-cap former international also called on the Three Lions to completely shed the rigid, fear-driven mindsets that have plagued past tournament appearances.
Bellingham the best
During an exclusive conversation with 10bet, former Tottenham star Jenas said on the England number 10 role: “I’d have Jude Bellingham all day long.
“I mean, we just spoke about Harry Kane and the season he’s had, but I think Jude Bellingham is our best player in terms of absolute talent alone.
“There’s a reason why he’s at Real Madrid. I know he’s had a bit of a dodgy season with injuries and so on, but he’s built for these moments.
“He’s got the aura and he’s got that character to really carry a team. I think he’s our best player.
“Morgan Rogers has been unbelievable and he’s a great second option, but I’d start Jude all day long.”
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Play with freedom
When asked what key message he would give the England players, Jenas added: “I just want to see them play with freedom, you know?
“For too many years, in particular for England, we’ve gone into these major tournaments with a lot of fear. We go into them looking a little bit rigid.
“Over the years, especially under Gareth Southgate, we’ve been very fortunate with the kind of knockout draws that we got.
“In a weird way, those easy draws can hinder you a little bit too. Sometimes you need those big games early on to get through and really build genuine confidence in the team.
“But I just want to see them play with some freedom. Just shut out the outside noise – because there’s no doubt there will be some after the first game – and just go out and show the country what you can do.
“They all do it week in, week out for their clubs, and that would be my message to them all.
“And look, the more you get that ball to Harry, the more chances he’s going to have of winning the game for us. Keep it simple.”
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Michael Davey