Bellingham’s reflection is rooted in England’s experience at Euro 2024, where the team reached the final before losing to Spain. Despite the progress on the pitch, he believes the group never fully connected away from it.
“Na Euro, erramos um pouco em algumas coisas fora de campo,” Bellingham said, adding that he did not feel the squad connected as well as it could have. The pressure surrounding England’s recent tournament campaigns appears to have weighed heavily, turning even positive results into tense occasions rather than moments to enjoy.
That is a significant admission from one of the team’s leading figures. England have carried expectations since their run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, and the demand for a major trophy has only intensified.
Bellingham is not calling for England to lower their standards. Instead, he wants the group to combine competitiveness with enjoyment, ensuring every player feels valued whether starting, competing for a place or contributing from the bench.
The midfielder also said the squad must “simplesmente aproveitar” - simply enjoy the experience. That balance could prove crucial in a World Cup, where pressure can quickly affect decision-making and team spirit.
For England, the challenge is to turn those words into daily habits: better communication, stronger support and a dressing room where responsibility is shared rather than concentrated on a few stars.
The Croatia opener will offer the first test of whether that atmosphere has genuinely changed. England’s performance may be judged by the result, but the squad’s togetherness could become the defining storyline of their tournament.