England midfielder Jude Bellingham believes the Three Lions are heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a stronger bond than the squad that reached the Euro 2024 final.
The Real Madrid star said lessons had been learned from the European Championship, where England reached the final but often faced criticism over their performances before losing to Spain.
Speaking in comments reported by BBC Sport on Friday, Bellingham reflected on the atmosphere within the squad during the tournament and admitted things could have been handled better away from the pitch.
Bellingham said: “At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch.
“I don’t feel like the group is connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons. Expectation was part of it.”
England entered Euro 2024 among the favourites following their run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the quarter-finals in Qatar four years later.
Despite reaching another major final, the team struggled to convince many observers with their displays throughout the competition.
Bellingham said: “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.”
The 22-year-old stressed the importance of maintaining ambition while also appreciating success when it arrives.
He said: “There has to be that element of relentlessness and wanting to win but it is the nature of football that wins and goes out of the system quickly and we should hold on to that moment a little more.”
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Bellingham said every player in the squad must feel valued regardless of their role.
He said: “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.”
England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, next Wednesday as they seek to end their long wait for a major international trophy.
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