Jude Bellingham thanks ‘role model’ Jordan Henderson for helping him settle into England squad

England starlet Jude Bellingham has praised England vice-captain Jordan Henderson for helping him learn from the pain as he prepares for an important few months to come. Bellingham, who is enjoying a stellar season with both club and country, salvaged a draw for England against Belgium in their international friendly on Tuesday (Mar 26) at the Wembley Stadium. According to him, Henderson has helped him manage the expectations and responsibilities at the mere age of 20.

Jude Bellingham praises Jordan Henderson

“Yeah, definitely. I think the players who are still in the squad have experienced that kind of thing. You learn to learn from their pain if you like. When I speak to Hendo, with whom I am pretty close, he tells me how lucky I am to be in this squad with such a good environment. I try and listen to him a lot because of the role model he is to me. And he has properly helped me coming into this squad, helping me manage the expectations and responsibility,” Bellingham said while speaking to Sky Sports.

Bellingham has quickly become an integral part of the England set-up having come through the ranks of Birmingham City. Considering he was part of England’s last Euro squad and is still 20, shows how mature the player has been.

Also Read: 5 Players Who Could Retire After Euro 2024

Since moving to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund in the summer he has enjoyed a superb run and has not buckled down under pressure. In his first El Classico of the season, he scored the winning goal for the club in stoppage time and has recorded 16 goals so far in the La Liga campaign. Alongside Harry Kane in the Bundesliga, he could board England’s squad plane as the golden winner in a top-five European league.

Can Jude Bellingham inspire England to glory?

Bellingham will also have a crucial role to play when England bid to win their maiden Euro title having failed at the final hurdle on their home turf in 2021. While his mentor Henderson is unlikely to keep his place in the Playing XI, Bellingham is probably going to have Declan Rice alongside him at the Euro 2024. The Three Lions will play Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in their three group matches of the Euro 2024 in Germany.

Bellingham’s experience and time in Germany with Borussia Dortmund will also be a key factor if England are to go and win the trophy. Alongside Gareth Southgate’s side Spain, Germany and France are also the favourites while defending champions Italy cannot be underestimated despite their failure to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cups.

Also Read: Gareth Southgate reveals Jude Bellingham’s struggles ahead of UEFA Euro 2024