Gareth Southgate: Bellingham, 20, Joins England’s Leadership Group

England manager Gareth Southgate has made a significant decision to include the young talent Jude Bellingham, just 20 years old, in the team’s leadership group for the 2024 European Championship squad. Despite being the third youngest player in the team, Bellingham’s maturity and leadership qualities have earned him this special recognition. The leadership group also comprises captain Harry Kane, the seasoned Walker, and Declan Rice, aiming to foster communication and unity throughout the squad.

Southgate emphasized that open communication is a cornerstone of team management. His small leadership group reflects trust in experienced players while deliberately incorporating Bellingham as a voice for the younger generation, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard within the team.

“I am committed to understanding how every player feels, especially our younger ones,” Southgate explained. “This setup allows us to address any issues that could affect performance promptly, maintaining a positive team spirit.”

Bellingham’s impressive performances at Real Madrid, where he contributed to winning the UEFA Champions League and La Liga in his debut season, and his maturity beyond his years, have earned him Southgate’s full confidence. In the England setup, only Kobe Mew-Nu and Adam Walton are younger than Bellingham, making his role in the leadership group particularly noteworthy.

It’s worth mentioning that previous English reports suggested that Kieran Trippier was part of the leadership group, but Southgate did not mention the player’s name this time. It remains unclear whether Trippier is still included or has been replaced by Bellingham.

England’s Euro campaign kicks off early Monday morning against Serbia, followed by matches against Denmark and Slovenia in the final group stage fixture, with Bellingham’s leadership and on-field contributions likely to be crucial factors in their progression to the knockout stages.