England midfielder Jude Bellingham believes the Three Lions have grown stronger from the lessons of Euro 2024 and are heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a better understanding of what it takes to succeed both on and off the pitch.
The Real Madrid star says the squad has become more united, more connected and more aware of the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere within the camp as they prepare to begin another quest for football’s biggest prize.
Speaking on England’s Lions Den Show ahead of the team’s opening Group L match against Croatia on June 17, Bellingham reflected on England’s journey over the past few years and admitted that certain mistakes made during the European Championship in Germany had affected the team’s overall experience despite reaching the final.
England entered Euro 2024 among the favourites to win the tournament, carrying the hopes of millions of supporters after years of progress under the national team setup.
The team eventually reached the final but fell short against Spain, who emerged victorious and lifted the trophy.
While reaching another major final was a significant achievement, Bellingham acknowledged that the atmosphere surrounding the team was not always as positive as it should have been.
According to the midfielder, expectations and pressure created challenges that extended beyond performances on the pitch.
“At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch. 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,” Bellingham said.
His comments offer a rare insight into the emotional and psychological challenges that can accompany major international tournaments.
Despite continuing to progress through the competition, England often faced criticism regarding their performances, with many observers suggesting the team was not playing to its full potential.
That criticism, combined with the enormous expectations placed on the squad, created an environment where victories were sometimes viewed as obligations rather than achievements to celebrate.
Bellingham believes the issue was partly a result of England’s recent success on the international stage.
The Three Lions have consistently reached the latter stages of major tournaments in recent years, including a semi-final appearance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and a runners-up finish at Euro 2020.
Those achievements raised expectations among supporters, media and even within the squad itself.
As a result, simply reaching a final was no longer viewed as enough.
The midfielder suggested that the standards surrounding the national team had risen to such a level that players often felt under pressure to deliver perfection.
For a squad filled with world-class talent and playing under constant scrutiny, maintaining balance and perspective became increasingly difficult.
However, Bellingham believes those experiences have provided valuable lessons that could benefit England during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The midfielder explained that the current group has developed a better understanding of the importance of unity, togetherness and ensuring that every player feels valued regardless of their role within the squad.
Having experienced both success and disappointment on the international stage, England’s players now appreciate the significance of creating a positive team environment.
Bellingham stressed that major tournaments are often decided by unexpected moments and unlikely heroes, making it essential for every player to remain engaged and prepared.
“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.”
His remarks highlight the importance of squad depth in modern international football.
While star players often attract the headlines, tournament success frequently depends on contributions from across the entire squad.
Players who begin competitions on the bench can suddenly become decisive figures when injuries, suspensions or tactical changes alter the course of a campaign.
Bellingham believes every member of the England squad must feel appreciated and connected to the team’s mission if they are to maximise their chances of success.
Beyond tactics, preparation and talent, the midfielder also emphasised the importance of enjoying the experience.
“The other thing is just to enjoy it,” he added.
The statement may sound simple, but it reflects a broader shift in mentality within the England camp.
Rather than allowing pressure and expectation to dominate the environment, the players are aiming to embrace the occasion and enjoy representing their country on football’s biggest stage.
England enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with one of the strongest squads in the tournament.
The team boasts a blend of experienced leaders and emerging stars, many of whom are performing at the highest level for some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Bellingham himself has become one of the faces of world football following his outstanding performances for Real Madrid and England.
Despite his young age, he is already regarded as a leader within the national team and one of the players expected to drive England’s World Cup challenge.
The Three Lions will begin their Group L campaign against Croatia in Boston on June 17 in what promises to be a highly competitive opening fixture.
The match will provide an early test of England’s ambitions and could play a crucial role in shaping the group’s final standings.
Following the Croatia encounter, England will face Ghana on June 23 in another highly anticipated match before concluding their group-stage campaign against Panama on June 27.
With qualification to the knockout rounds firmly in their sights, England will be hoping to start strongly and build momentum throughout the tournament.
For Bellingham, however, success at the World Cup will depend on more than just technical ability or tactical preparation.
The midfielder believes connection, togetherness and happiness within the squad could prove just as important as anything that happens on the pitch.
Having experienced the highs and lows of recent international tournaments, England’s players appear determined to apply those lessons as they pursue their dream of ending decades of World Cup heartbreak.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, Bellingham’s message is clear: learn from the past, stay united, enjoy the journey and ensure every player feels part of something bigger.
If England can achieve that balance, they may give themselves the best possible chance of lifting football’s most coveted trophy.
Follow Africa Live News for more updates on sports, business, politics and entertainment stories from Ghana, Africa and beyond.
Website: https://www.africalivenews.com
X (Twitter): https://x.com/africalivenews2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Africalivenews
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/africalivenews
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@africalivenews.com
