Bellingham admits he did not know England’s opponents for the last-16

Jude Bellingham has admitted that he wasn’t aware of who England had been drawn against in the last-16 at Euro 2024. 

The Three Lions booked their place in the knockout stage of the tournament after finishing top of Group C, as they picked up one win and two draws in the group stage.

In doing so, they secured a match-up against one of the teams qualifying among the four best third-placed teams – which ended up being Slovakia. 

However, it’s clear Bellingham hadn’t been keeping a keen eye on the draw after admitting on Thursday morning that he wasn’t aware of the Slovakia match-up. 

Speaking on YouTube series Lions’ Den, Bellingham was asked about his thoughts on playing Slovakia, to which he said: ‘I didn’t know until you said! 

Jude Bellingham admitted he wasn’t aware who England had been drawn against in the last-16

Gareth Southgate (left) will be hoping the Real Madrid star can help them against Slovakia 

‘I think you’re always going to have tough games at this point in the tournament. People will look at it and see it’s Slovakia and think it’s going to be an easy game. 

‘It’s definitely not the case because they’ll pose a different kind of threat and it’s a different kind of thing to break down. I think sometimes when you play against some of the nations who come at you a little bit more, it’s a bit more open. 

‘I think it’ll be an interesting game and one that we’ll be confident for. I know that the performances haven’t been as good as they can be in the first three games but I think it’s a great opportunity for us to get back to the level we need to be at’.

Bellingham painted a frustrated figure during England’s most recent match against Slovenia, which they drew 0-0 after a dire outfield showing. 

Bellingham’s annoyance mirrored the feelings of plenty of fans in the stadium, who were put through another listless, lifeless England display – albeit with a point helping them finish top of the group.

Bellingham‘s frustration boiled over during the stalemate, with the midfielder unleashing an expletive-laden tirade towards his team-mates. 

But despite Bellingham’s exasperation at team-mates, his own performance dipped below his high standards on Tuesday night. 

Slovakia booked their place in the last-16 as one of the best third-placed teams at Euro 2024

Bellingham was visibly frustrated during England’s 0-0 draw against Slovenia on Tuesday

His duel percentage won (22 per cent) was the lowest on the team and he also lost possession 16 times, which was the most on the team. 

Having been one of the stand-out performers in the opening game, scoring a header against Serbia, the former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund man has surprisingly been anonymous. 

It wasn’t just the defensive side of his game that was lacking. Bellingham failed to have a single shot or create a single chance against one of the tournament’s minnows. 

The lacklustre display of the team drew anger from travelling England fans and cups were even thrown at manager Gareth Southgate.