The much-anticipated insights have emerged. During a recent conversation on the Lions’ Den sofa, Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers revealed unexpected truths about their Euro 2024 experience. Despite the Football Association’s control over the setting, Bellingham was candid about the challenges faced during the tournament.
“It didn’t feel like there was any kind of hierarchy,” the 22-year-old midfielder remarked. “I think at the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch. I don’t feel like the group connected as well as it could have – for a number of reasons.”
While it was known that issues existed within the team two years ago, hearing Bellingham, a key player, speak openly about it is significant as England gears up for another World Cup challenge.
“We weren’t playing particularly well, which doesn’t help,” he continued. “Even when we were winning we didn’t get the feeling that we were as happy as we should be. You want to win, but the nature of football is that wins go out of the system very quickly.”
England struggled to maintain any sense of cohesion. The atmosphere was lacking, and the signs of disarray became evident as the team departed for Germany. This confusion was highlighted when Gareth Southgate felt it necessary to explain his squad selections to Harry Kane during a walk at Tottenham’s training ground.
Describing Southgate’s choices as generous might be overstating the matter. A more precise evaluation suggests he lost sight of his managerial identity. After emphasizing the importance of fostering the right culture, his decision to include several inexperienced youngsters while sidelining seasoned players like Harry Maguire, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, and notably, Jordan Henderson, surprised many.
The absence of Henderson’s leadership proved costly. England struggled to find their rhythm and ultimately succumbed to Spain in the final. Bellingham showcased moments of brilliance, yet there were instances when frustration seeped into his performance. It became evident that he could have benefited from the guidance of a veteran player, someone like Henderson, who has always been protective of him. Consequently, Harry Kane expressed relief when Thomas Tuchel’s first major decision as head coach was to reinstate Henderson.
Tuchel invested considerable time understanding why England lacked a clear identity. His conclusion was that fostering a positive atmosphere off the pitch would be significantly easier with Henderson in the squad to uphold high standards within the dressing room.
As England prepares to face Croatia in their World Cup opener this Wednesday, Henderson will reach the age of 36. Although he is not expected to start and has lost some of his physicality, there are criticisms suggesting he only serves as a support figure for Bellingham. Many fans believed his international career should have concluded when he transitioned from Liverpool to the Saudi Pro League in 2023.
Such sentiments persist. Why not consider younger talent like Adam Wharton? The answer lies in the immense respect Henderson commands from his teammates. Tuchel has analyzed team dynamics and repeatedly emphasized the importance of creating a brotherhood, noting that players tend to flourish when Henderson is part of the group.
Bellingham and Rogers praised Henderson during their Lions’ Den appearance, calling him the best person they have ever encountered in football. They highlighted his significant contributions behind the scenes. Henderson serves as the cohesive force within the team, demonstrating authority during a 25-minute media session at England’s training facility in Kansas City on Monday.
He came to Bellingham’s defense, asserting that external perceptions of the young player’s character are misinformed. Henderson also spoke highly of Declan Rice, who has been appointed as England’s new vice-captain. “It’s important to make sure the culture off the pitch is good but that’s not down to one person,” Henderson stated. “Everyone has a role to play. It’s creating a culture to keep driving each other forward.”
Henderson was a key figure in England’s intensity during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Miami FC last Thursday. The previous day, he had observed from the sidelines as Tuchel’s squad dominated Costa Rica in Tampa. “When I look back at pre-tournament games, that is the very best I’ve seen,” Henderson reflected. “It’s about taking that into Croatia.”
Tuchel believes that pressing is crucial to England’s identity. Bellingham, who was preferred over Rogers in the No. 10 position, excelled defensively and appears to be in a much stronger position compared to his performance at the Euros.
England is acutely aware that tournament success often hinges on maintaining a positive atmosphere within the squad. Tuchel has placed significant emphasis on character, selecting players who are eager to compete. His decision to exclude Maguire proved wise when the defender expressed his frustration about not being chosen on social media. Henderson, however, likely resents being perceived as merely a cheerleader. He believes he can still contribute on the pitch, even if that means coming off the bench to manage the game effectively.
Nonetheless, it is clear that Henderson’s leadership off the pitch will be vital. Southgate underestimated his impact. Initially supportive of Henderson following his move to Saudi Arabia, he reversed his stance just before the Euros, deeming him unfit for selection.
Southgate overlooked the value of Henderson’s character. Listening to Bellingham’s insights, it becomes apparent why Tuchel recognized the importance of not repeating that mistake.
