Jude Bellingham arrived at Real Madrid with a huge price tag attached to him. However, he delivered on every occasion he has played for Los Blancos. His performance for the national team has been amazing as well. Hence, he has been called up for the Euro qualifiers games for England this month. However, he picked up a shoulder injury back on November 5. He also missed 2 matches for Real Madrid. Hence, coach Gareth Southgate could bench him for the matches.
England Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Levi Colwill, Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, James Maddison, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins, Callum Wilson
Jude Bellingham sustained a shoulder injury during Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano on November 5. His recovery is taking time and as a result, he missed their next two matches. He missed Los Blancos’ Champions League clash against Braga last Wednesday and La Liga clash against Valencia last weekend.
Even so, his contribution to the team’s results has been immense. Naturally, he was called up for England’s next two Euro qualifiers matches this month. He should be flying to England for evaluation, but his participation is not yet confirmed.
As per GOAL, an England statement said, “The report to St. George’s Park on Monday with further assessments to take place.” This means Bellingham should report for his duty with the national team on Monday. However, whether he will play in the coming matches or not depends on his health evaluation.
It seems the Real Madrid boss is expecting Bellingham to rest during the international break to fully recover. Even though Los Blancos won both matches Bellingham missed, the newcomer has become a crucial part of the team.
After Real Madrid won 5-1 against Valencia last weekend, boss Carlo Ancelotti was asked about Bellingham’s availability for England. Ancelotti did not hold back in wishing for Bellingham to be back soon.
He said, “He will go to be evaluated but I expect him back [in Spain] again quickly. If he didn’t play today, he can’t play with England. He has to do specific work to strengthen his shoulder and he will do that in the coming weeks. After the international break I think he will be able to play again.”
England have already qualified for next year’s Euro 2024 finals with 2 matches still in hand. They have remained unbeaten in 6 matches so far and accumulated 16 points out of a possible 18.
The only 2 inconsequential matches for the Three Lions left now are against Malta on 18th November and against North Macedonia on 21st November. With nothing on the line, coach Gareth Southgate could look to experiment with the team. With Bellingham injured, the coach might not want to take a risk and bench him.
Numerous players across Europe’s biggest competitions are suffering from injuries. Hence, Bellingham is not the only one to sit out for England’s matches in November. Spurs ace James Maddison, Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson, and Brighton defender Lewis Dunk have withdrawn from the squad this month with injuries.
Southgate has already called up Ezri Konsa, Rico Lewis, and Cole Palmer to replace the injured players. Chelsea defender Levi Colwill missed their latest match against Man City, but could still pass the evaluation and feature for England.
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