Jude Bellingham told to ‘front it’ by Wayne Rooney who offers new England theory

Wayne Rooney has voiced his concern over Jude Bellingham's performances at Euro 2024, suggesting the midfielder is "not quite right". Bellingham has seemed less impactful since striking England's inaugural goal at the tournament in Germany as the Three Lions struggled through the group phase.

Rooney, who knows what it's like to play in an England team facing criticism, shared his theory as to why Bellingham may be falling short. Engaging in commentary on BBC Five Live Sport recently, the England legend said: "For me, he's looked very frustrated - and I've been there, exactly the position he's in and even the game yesterday you seen him throwing his arms up in the air.

"And I think as a talisman for England, now for Real Madrid, I don't think, well I certainly haven't, no one's heard him speak. So what's the reason for that? I think as one of the iconic players now for England in the squad, in the team he should be fronting that - and you know yesterday we seen Cole Palmer speaking, we seen Anthony Gordon speaking who are playing parts in the tournament at the minute."

Pinning down whom people want to hear from in interviews, Rooney said: "People want Jude and Harry [Kane] and Kyle Walker, Jordan Pickford, these senior players. I know Jude's not but you know, he's going to play if fit and you want to hear him speak and I think that tells me that he's probably not quite right," reports the Mirror.

Bellingham has been nothing short of sensational for Real Madrid this season, netting a remarkable 23 goals and providing 11 assists in all competitions - including La Liga and the Champions League. The young prodigy's form has sparked excitement among England supporters, who are eager to witness his synergy with the likes of Harry Kane and Phil Foden at the Euros.

Despite kicking off with a narrow victory over Serbia, England's campaign has been lacklustre, culminating in a stalemate with Slovenia and a draw against Denmark. The results have propelled England to the top of their group, albeit amid a barrage of criticism for the team's lacklustre attacking display.

Yet, Kane has called for unity and support from the stands, remarking during a press briefing: "People are going to have their opinions I'm not saying to not talk about it or for the pundits to say 'this could be better, that could be better'. That's part of being a fan, all I would say is trust is.. As players we've been here before and done it a lot of us, trust us as much as possible, get behind us and help us achieve what we want to achieve and that's to be successful.

"With podcasts and things like that people are trying to promote their own channels and sometimes the headline, because you want the most views, isn't always what people want to see. People will do things for their own gain."

Upon reflecting about the criticism received by English players, an unbothered Kane noted: "That's just life but first and foremost we try to ignore. But we should try to back the English players as much as possible because we are doing all we can to make everyone proud, the fans and pundits proud. I know they would love nothing more if we are all celebrating after the Euros."

Following their decisive victory in their group, the Three Lions are now scheduled to face Slovakia in the round of 16. Success there will lead them towards either the formidable reigning champions Italy or Switzerland, before a potential match against Romania, the Netherlands, Austria or Turkey in the semi-finals.