Jude Bellingham’s Euro 2024 has been boom and bust, but one former Real Madrid hero believes he has identified an issue with the 21-year-old England star
Real Madrid and Chelsea legend Claude Makelele believes Jude Bellingham has looked fatigued over the course of Euro 2024.
The midfield talisman was England’s saviour against Slovakia, scoring a sensational overhead kick to drag the Three Lions’ level in the 94th minute. But after inspiring Gareth Southgate’s side’s comeback against the Slovakians, Bellingham is now under threat of being heavily fined or even suspended for England’s quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Saturday.
Bellingham was seen gesturing with his hand near his groin in a lewd manner after he scored his goal – something he claims to have been an inside joke with friends in the stadium rather than a disrespectful gesture towards Slovakia. Nevertheless, UEFA confirmed they are conducting a “disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct” to ascertain whether he has breached Article 57 of the FIFA disciplinary code.
However, considering Makelele’s comments about Bellingham’s performances in Germany, a rest could serve Bellingham well if England manage to overcome the impressive Swiss side.
While speaking to wettfreunde.net, Makelele said: “Like many of the stars at this European Championship, he also seems relatively tired. Nevertheless, I trust that he will now show his best face.
“When it matters, Jude hardly ever disappoints. He certainly has what it takes to be the star of this European Championship.”
Bellingham started the competition in emphatic fashion by scoring a flying, diving header against Serbia, in what proved to be the winning goal in Gelsenkirchen. However, he struggled to get himself into the game in draws against Denmark and Slovenia in Group C.
Southgate also admitted that he considered taking Bellingham off against Slovakia after enduring a similarly difficult afternoon. Leaving the midfielder on proved to be the right decision as his late goal saved England from a humiliating round of 16 exit. He later came off midway through extra time, alongside Harry Kane.
England fans and Bellingham’s colleagues will certainly be anxious about the current investigation into his lewd gesture. When a video of the incident appeared on social media and claimed he was doing it towards the Slovakia players, Bellingham furiously responded on X.
As well as including a red cross and a yawning emoji, Bellingham tweeted: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
Southgate, England players and fans will all be sweating on the investigation UEFA are carrying out into Bellingham’s gesture. A UEFA spokesperson said: “Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English FA player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.”
Article 57 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the rule in which Bellingham is being investigated for, states: “Anyone who insults someone in any way, especially by using offensive gestures or language, or who violates the principles of fair pay or whose behaviour is unsporting in any other way may be subject to sanctions in accordance with art. 10 ff.”
Bellingham has earned 32 international caps for England, contributing five goals and five assists over the course of his time with the Three Lions to date.
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The Three Lions are among the favourites to win this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits before the first whistle.
