England’s exit from Euro 2024 has led to questions being asked of talisman Jude Bellingham, some of which are reminiscent of the speculation that followed the player after he left Borussia Dortmund

A generational talent like Jude Bellingham could be the key to ending England’s title drought – but it seems certain Euro 2024 team-mates may require some convincing.

Real Madrid splashed out £95million (rising to £120m) for the former Birmingham City star last summer after winning a race involving the majority of Europe’s major powerhouses, with Borussia Dortmund fans no doubt sad to see him leave.

But German daily Bild reported in August 2023 that the Dortmund dressing room didn’t exactly share this sentiment. Bellingham was only 17 when he moved to the Westfalenstadion and spent three years at the club. And he left amid something of a cloud, with some of his team-mates allegedly developing a distaste for him.

One purported sticking point that irked his team-mates was the midfielder waiting to soak up plaudits from the club’s fans after the rest of the squad – especially after Erling Haaland left for Manchester City in 2022.

Another alleged problem was an apparent lack of respect for team-mates and the language he used, particularly in one incident where he slated Nico Schulz during a clash with Rangers in 2022.

Bellingham, who turned 21 last month, was also fast-tracked into Dortmund’s leadership group, but some players didn’t feel he fit the bill. Bild reported that he was not always available as a point of contact for team-mates, though club chiefs like Sebastian Kehl didn’t penalise him for fear of endangering his move to Madrid.

Fast forward 11 months, and The Athletic has reported similar issues arising from within the England camp; that Bellingham doesn’t have strong connections with his team-mates.

Bellingham is a standout talent, but that notion doesn’t correlate with the team ethos Gareth Southgate has worked hard to inspire, ditching the individualistic mentality that has cursed England squads in the past.

Bellingham reportedly turned his team-mates against him at Dortmund ( 
Image:
Mika Volkmann/Getty Images)
Three Lions icon Wayne Rooney discussed this in The Times, claiming Bellingham was showing his frustrations with team-mates too easily. Rooney noted occasions in the bore draw against Slovenia where his countryman’s actions concerned him.

Like at Dortmund, the Stourbridge native was elevated to a leadership group at England alongside Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and Declan Rice. However, Bellingham didn’t step up for certain media duties outside the obligatory during the tournament, while more minor figures within the squad did their bit to fill that void.

The ex-Birmingham gem has embraced his ‘main character’ profile at Real Madrid ( 
Image:
Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

“It may be time to grow up, make decisions and say, ‘I need to help out and speak during the difficult times.'” Rooney wrote in a separate column. “Because if England win these Euros, I’m sure you’ll see him doing interviews.”

There can be little doubt Bellingham has the potential – both in terms of talent and character – to guide England into a new era of success. But certain supposed shortcomings at Dortmund, and now with the national team, could hinder both him and England as a whole from living up to expectations.