EURO2024
“Hey Jude” as a European Championship hit: Bellingham and maturity at 20
Jude Bellingham was the match winner for England against Serbia with his goal. Photo
© Bernd Thissen/dpa
The release of the Beatles’ hit “Hey Jude” was almost as long ago as England’s only title at a World Cup or European Championship. Now it’s finally time for a trophy again – with a Beatles fan as the main character.
When the song, composed by Paul McCartney, was released in 1968, the Real Madrid superstar was still a long way from being born and England were the reigning world champions. The Three Lions have been waiting for an international title since their triumph on home soil in 1966. This time, with Bellingham as a key player, they are finally hoping to win a trophy again. If the 20-year-old continues like this, the cult song sung in his honour will also be a mega hit at the tournament in Germany.
Leader despite young age
“I feel like I can make a difference in every game, that I can decide games,” said Bellingham late on Sunday evening in Gelsenkirchen. “I enjoy playing football and when I go on the pitch I play fearlessly because I love it so much. It’s a liberation for me.” Completely liberated, he left the arena shortly after midnight. A crowd of journalists walked side by side with him, but the match winner did not stop again in the interview zone.
Despite his young age, the former Dortmund player is the leading figure in national coach Gareth Southgate’s team alongside Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane from FC Bayern. Bellingham controls the game on the pitch, encourages attacks and is a goalscorer himself. The Champions League winner also shone against Serbia with his committed and prudent defensive behavior.
Learned something new at Real Madrid
“You can be young and be a leader. You can be a leader at any age,” said England left-back Kieran Trippier. “Hopefully he keeps it up. He’s such a great talent. We all hope he can continue the success he had at the club for England.”
In Madrid, Bellingham has developed even further after his time at BVB. Bellingham has become even more dangerous in front of goal, repeatedly pushing into the penalty area at the right moments, as he did when he scored the winning goal against Serbia. He goes full steam ahead, carrying his teammates along with his dynamism. “With him, it’s full steam ahead. He really is a difference maker, he proved that again today,” said striker Jarrod Bowen.
Teammates and colleagues: Bellingham seems unusually mature
Bellingham doesn’t let the hustle and bustle around him drive him crazy. He is an underwear model for reality TV star Kim Kardashian, advertises for Adidas, and is always in demand as a conversation partner. When he’s on the pitch, however, only football counts – with no distractions. Former and current companions repeatedly emphasize that Bellingham’s behavior makes him seem much older than he actually is. His maturity and composure are not those of a typical 20-year-old.
Bellingham knows exactly what to say and when. At his short press conference as player of the match against Serbia, he praised his teammates and highlighted the work of the team’s support staff. You don’t hear any critical words from him, even though the Three Lions didn’t play like European champions, especially in the second half, and had to worry about winning. “We didn’t concede a goal. And if you don’t concede a goal, one goal is enough to win,” said Bellingham pragmatically.
With a win against Denmark, England would secure their place in the round of 16 in their next match against Denmark on Thursday in Frankfurt am Main (6 p.m./ZDF and MagentaTV). Bellingham wants to make the English fans happy again and encourage them to sing the old Beatles classic. “We give them a lot of love and I try to give it back with performance and energy,” he said.