Euro 2024: Mourinho’s top pick and Bellingham’s potential award
According to the former Tottenham and Manchester United head coach José Mourinho, Jude Bellingham is all set to dazzle at the Euro 2024, even though he likely feels England will fall short yet again.
José Mourinho roots for Portugal to win the EURO 2024 while Jude Bellingham will emerge as the player of the tournament.
The European Championship is all set to kick off this weekend, as hosts Germany take on Scotland on Friday night, while England start their campaign against Serbia on Sunday.
Despite a poor show in last week’s friendly against Iceland, Gareth Soughgate’s men are still considered favorites to win the tournament. Although Mourinho reckons the Three Lions will make it to the final, he champions his home side to lift the trophy.
Also Read: A tactical preview for England National Football Team playing in EURO 2024
Mourinho Predicts England’s Success at EUROs and Highlights Bellingham’s Key Role
In a recent interview with TNT, the new Fenerbahçe head coach Mourinho was asked to pick the runners up and he chose EURO 2020’s finalists England to repeat the same.
Backing up his opinion by saying,
(A) surprise team is anyone outside of Portugal, France and England because I think these three are the favorites. For me, anyone who comes outside these three, even countries outside these with stature, like Germany (would be the surprise package).
As the questions continued, Mourinho named Bellingham as his player of the tournament following his stunning debut campaign with Real Madrid.
Under Carlo Ancelotti, the 20-year-old star played beyond expectations guiding his team to win both the La Liga and Champions League last season. Bellingham scored 19 league goals as well for Real, as they won the domestic crown with ease.
The newly stamped La Liga player of the season is expected to play an integral role in the EUROs for England too, after missing out on last week’s friendly. However, Southgate stressed that inspiration is spread all over the team rather than the midfielder.
Last weekend, Southgate said
I’m sure he will (lift England) but it is not his responsibility to do that. I’m sure he is (capable of handling the pressure) but we are not putting everything on Jude. We’ve got a lot of good players and it is a collective thing to go and try to win this tournament.
He is, of course, a player with a fabulous mentality and will have a big impact on the whole group.”
Looks like the English camp is all set to show their prowess in Germany.
The veteran Portuguese coach believes Harry Kane would top the scoring chart after his phenomenal individual performance scoring 36 league goals in Bayern Munich’s mediocre season.
Among Portugal and England, Mourinho has France among the favorites as well and doesn’t expect any nation outside that trio to lift the trophy during his interview with Ferdinand.
Also Read: Where and how to watch UEFA Euro 2024 live for free?