Stan Collymore believes Jude Bellingham should never be England captain - with the former Real Madrid star currently at the centre of a row in LaLiga.
On Saturday, the England international was dismissed in the 39th minute of his side's 1-1 draw with Osasuna.
Bellingham was dismissed after the referee thought he'd aimed an X-rated insult in his direction, with the 21-year-old protesting his innocence.
Real are so unhappy with the decision to send off the England star they've actually threatened to quit LaLiga altogether.
Jude Bellingham: England star is currently in the spotlight following his red card for Real Madrid against Osasuna on Saturday
REUTERS
Bellingham has been nothing short of sensational throughout his career, dazzling with Birmingham, Borussia Dortmund and Real.
Yet Collymore, speaking to William Hill Vegas, feels Declan Rice should be the next England captain - rather than his team-mate.
"A lot of fans talk about Jude Bellingham, saying that he's overrated and it's all just hype," he said.
"But let's be clear, Jude is an exceptional, athletic midfielder who, at his best, can pick the ball up midway through the opponent's half, drive past players, create chances, and score goals.
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"He is a top-quality player, absolutely. There are no question about his ability. He's world-class, but he's not a captain.
"Someone like Declan Rice would be a better England captain.
"He leads by example, is vocal without going over the top — unlike Bellingham, as we saw with his red card at the weekend.
"Rice gets the players around him going, and he's growing into the role.
Jude Bellingham: Stan Collymore thinks Declan Rice should be the next England captain - rather than the Real Madrid star
PA
"He sees everything on the pitch, picks the ball up from the back four, and gets forward.
"He probably needs to add more goals to his game, and by his own admission, I think he knows that.
"Giving Rice the captaincy would free Bellingham up to just enjoy his football and play with that feisty, natural energy.
"If you put the responsibility of captaincy on him — especially for England — it could restrict him.
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"Real Madrid is arguably the biggest club in the world, and the spotlight is on him every week.
"But with England, the scrutiny is different. If England reach a quarter-final or semi-final, the entire country micro-analyses everything."
Bellingham was given his England debut back in 2020.
He currently has 40 caps to his name, while he's also bagged four goals on the international scene.
Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid star was sent off in the 39th minute of his side's 1-1 LaLiga draw with Osasuna
REUTERS
Bellingham could face a ban of up to 12 matches following his dismissal at the weekend.
But the Real star is reportedly confident of avoiding a lengthy suspension, with Mason Greenwood previously avoiding that hefty punishment after he was sent off while playing for Getafe last season.
