Liverpool hero slams Jude Bellingham for England danger at Euro 2024

Liverpool icon Didi Hamann has taken a hard look at England midfield maestro Jude Bellingham, warning the youngster that he is flirting with controversy at Euro 2024.

Aged just 21 and having found the net twice this tournament, Bellingham was England’s savior against Slovakia, bringing their campaign back from the brink. His dramatic overhead kick in the dying moments sparked an explosion as he turned to the stands and roared: “Who else.”

He also faces scrutiny for making a suggestive gesture now under UEFA’s microscope and causing a stir by clashing with Filip Kostic during the Slovenian match.

Fresh from being crowned La Liga Player of the Year and winning the coveted Champions League title with Real Madrid in his first season, confidence is not something Bellingham lacks. However, Liverpool’s old guard Hamann perceives a disturbing pattern developing and is not shy about warning the young gun.

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“I think there is definitely a danger that Jude Bellingham will start to believe his own fairy tales,” Hamann warned while speaking to Gambling Zone. “It was his celebration and then when he passed the Slovakian bench he did something that offended them.

“He said afterwards that it was a private joke aimed at his friends who were sitting next to them. I don’t know if it’s true or not, but I think he needs to be careful because in the first game he ran into Kostic after winning the tackle and was lucky not to get booked for it.

“They have to let things out, because there’s always someone bigger than you, and the other players will overlook the tragedy.”

“I think he has to be very careful because the one thing you shouldn’t do is disrespect your opponents,” Hamann added. “Against Slovakia, he apologized, but it wouldn’t be the first time something has happened to him. Someone needs to tell him it’s useless and he should quit.”

UEFA is reviewing Bellingham’s actions after Slovakia’s match as a quarter-final suspension against Switzerland is less likely.

Reacting to the incident on social media, Bellingham clarified: “An inside joke to some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for the way the Slovakian team played tonight.”

Despite Slovakia going out in the last game, England’s form still invites scrutiny. With Trippier injured, it looks like Liverpool’s Joe Gomez could take over the left-back duties.

Southgate, meanwhile, has changed three different players in four games alongside Declan Rice in midfield, with Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo the latest to make his mark. England’s difficulty in consistently creating chances has led to increasing demand for Cole Palmer to be included in the starting line-up, as well as calls for Southgate to use Anthony Gordon’s pace more effectively against rival defences.