Graeme Souness doesn't hold back on Jude Bellingham as scathing verdict given following England failure

However, Bellingham toiled throughout most of the tournament - with the youngster looking a far cry from the player that flourished for Real Madrid last season.

Souness believes it is unfair that the midfielder shouldered plenty of criticism. Speaking to William Hill, he accused England's senior leadership group of letting the former Borussia Dortmund and Birmingham star 'take the flak' throughout the competition in Germany.

“The big players, the leadership group within the England side, were quite happy for Bellingham to take the flak from the media and deal with those difficult questions that were coming his way," he said.

“I felt that he got set up and someone needs to explain to him that he’s a young man learning the game, he’s a mile off being the finished article – he should just keep wanting to learn every day. I’d blame the senior players in the England camp for that.”

Souness does, however, believe that Bellingham was guilty of taking too many touches as England lost to Spain on Sunday night.

“Jude Bellingham has the potential to be a fabulous player," he said.

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"I think what happened was that when England went behind and were chasing a game and things weren’t going well, they ended up trying too hard and taking too many touches.

“I think Jude Bellingham fell into that time and time again. He was taking too many touches and that can be a negative result from trying extra hard.”

Troy Deeney, also speaking, believes the pressure on Bellingham was too high for the midfielder to be able to operate at his brilliant best.

“I don’t think Bellingham had a poor tournament,” said the former Watford skipper.

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“I just think our expectations were very high and we went into the tournament thinking we had the best number 10 in Jude – he’s not that yet.

"That was the expectation having won the league and the Champions League with Real Madrid.

“My observation is that when he’s playing for Madrid, he’s got the likes of Luka Modric around and those senior players who are the leaders of the group, there’s a huge element of Bellingham doing that for England as that’s what he’s used to seeing.”

Bellingham, meanwhile, admitted he was crushed by England's defeat to Spain - with the Real Madrid star saying: "Still trying to process the final but the overriding feelings are sadness and disappointment.

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"The fact is that we came up against a great opponent and fell short, it hurts that we were so close to history and yet couldn’t deliver for the England fans that backed us throughout the highs and lows of the tournament whether that was from back home or out in Germany in the stadiums.

"For that we can only hold our hands up and apologise. Being in such a tight bubble for so long means that sometimes it’s easier to get caught up in the negatives of playing at a major tournament but some of the atmospheres and celebrations I witnessed were a constant reminder of the love you guys have for this team, those images will live with me forever and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.

"I’m sure the aftermath will be intense but please understand that this group of players and every single member of staff gave absolutely everything to try and make our dreams come true.

"Whilst it’s frustrating to keep writing in this manner after tournaments I genuinely believe that this team, using these heartbreaking experiences, has the potential to finally get over the line and bring silverware back to England at some point.

"Until then, stick with us and continue to support the lads like you have done for so long.

"Finally, I’d like to thank Gareth and his staff for the great memories during his tenure. From the point of view of a fan who has become a member of the squad, it’s been a rollercoaster of amazing emotions that has instilled hope and joy back into our country.

"It was a privilege being lead by someone who is so dedicated and passionate, not only is Gareth easily one of the best coaches in the history of the national team but also an unbelievable human being.

"Thank you for everything and all the best in the next chapter, Gaffer."