The long wait for a major international trophy continues for England. It has been 58 years since their last major victory, and under Gareth Southgate, the team has come agonizingly close to breaking that drought on three occasions. The most recent disappointment came in the European Championship final against Spain. Jude Bellingham, one of the team’s standout players, shared his thoughts on the loss and the future.
A History of Near Misses
Over the past six years, Gareth Southgate has led England to several near-misses in major tournaments. The 2018 World Cup saw the Three Lions fall to Croatia in the semi-final. In the European Championships, they lost to Italy in the 2020 final and Spain in the 2024 final. These close calls have left fans longing for a trophy that seems just out of reach.
Heartbreak in Berlin
After the heartbreaking loss to Spain in Berlin, Jude Bellingham addressed the media, expressing the collective disappointment of the team and fans alike. The Real Madrid midfielder acknowledged the sacrifices made by the players and the toll the tournament has taken on them both mentally and physically.
What Jude Bellingham Said
Speaking to reporters after the match, Bellingham said:
“We sacrificed a lot throughout the last week, it’s so tough these days with the crazy schedules and then coming together for the end of the season, for one last tournament, it’s difficult on the body. Mentally, and physically you are exhausted but for our country, we wanted to give everything and then to lose in that way is really cruel.
“Again, we probably didn’t play our best game but there were definitely some good moments. We felt like we got back into the game and then to kind of be sucker-punched with the late goal. It’s heartbreaking. We all wanted nothing more than to make history and to make the people of England proud and we haven’t managed to do it. We didn’t quite deliver. There are reasons for that. I’m sure as a team and going forward we will analyse it.”
Looking Ahead
Bellingham emphasized the need for the team to learn from their experiences and use them as stepping stones for future success:
“But yeah, I think, it’s still a young group. It’s really disappointing because at some point we do have to deliver. But there are experiences and there are things from this tournament going forward. I suppose if you look at everything negatively, nothing will ever change. It’s important we pick the positives and the negatives together and find a way to one day get England over the line.”
Southgate’s Future
While Bellingham refused to comment on Gareth Southgate’s future as England manager, his focus remained on the team’s need to deliver for their fans. The players’ dedication and hard work are evident, and their desire to bring joy to the supporters is unwavering.
England’s journey in international football has been filled with highs and lows. Despite the recent setbacks, the determination to succeed remains strong. With young talents like Jude Bellingham leading the way, the future holds promise. As the team continues to grow and learn from their experiences, fans can hope that the long wait for a major trophy will soon come to an end.