Jude Bellingham criticised for his behaviour in England's win over Scotland - 'Worried'

Jude Bellingham England Scotland

Jude Bellingham has been criticised despite his heroics for England against Scotland on Tuesday night

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 13/09/2023

- 09:09

The 20-year-old was outstanding as the Three Lions put their rivals to the sword

Stuart Pearce has revealed he's worried about Jude Bellingham's behaviour on the pitch following England's 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday night.

The Real Madrid star scored his side's second goal of the game, with Phil Foden and Harry Kane also on target at Hampden Park.


Bellingham was the toast of England after the win, with the 20-year-old producing a masterclass in the middle of the park.

But Pearce, speaking on talkSPORT, is worried about the youngster's behaviour on the field.

Stuart Pearce

Stuart Pearce has raised fears over Jude Bellingham after England's friendly win over Scotland

PA

"The one thing that worried me a little bit is Bellingham was quick to get involved in the pushing and shoving straight away and there’s no need for that," he said.

"He likes a tackle and if you’re going to go into major tournaments liking a tackle and getting involved pushing and shoving, you’re going to soon find yourself out of the game."

Bellingham did clash with Jack Hendry during the game and received a yellow card.

He didn't look too fazed, however, and continued to pull the strings in midfield.

Bellingham was one of England's best players, if not the best, during the Qatar World Cup at the tail end of last year.

He seems to be going from strength to strength for both club and country, something that bodes extremely well for the future.

Speaking after the match, Bellingham confessed he had been all fired up after a flat display against Ukraine last time out.

"I wasn't happy with how I played against Ukraine, it wasn't anywhere near my best and the motivation is always to get back to your best," he said.

"I got somewhere close tonight.

"It's just a freedom role really. I get given the freedom by the amazing teammates and manager that I have [at Real Madrid].

"I know it depends on the system we play, and we've got so many amazing players to accommodate, and so the team comes first always.

"I really enjoyed playing in that [same No 10] position today.

"A lot of the lads felt like they didn't perform to their level [against Ukraine].

"That's a great attitude to have, and still be able to take the positives into the next game.

"Having these big wins helps build camaraderie in the group."

England boss Gareth Southgate, meanwhile, was full of praise for Bellingham and dubbed the youngster's display 'outstanding'.

"He doesn't have a point to prove to us, we know he is a really good player," stated the 53-year-old.

"Saturday was not his best game but we weren't at the level we wanted to be and we knew he has a fantastic personality to come back from that.

"His performances have been outstanding and one performance isn't going to change that.

"As an attacking eight, or where he played tonight, he looks to get into the box. Tonight his athleticism to press was so important.

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Jude Bellingham England Scotland

Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring for England against Scotland at Hampden Park

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"Scotland's system is difficult to play against so we slightly changed our system and he did that well."

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