World Cup 2026: Jude Bellingham says England are more connected

Jude Bellingham believes England have learnt from their mistakes at the 2024 European Championship and feel more connected as a squad heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on England's Lions Den Show ahead of the Three Lions' Group L opener against Croatia on June 17, the Real Madrid midfielder reflected on the pressure and expectations that weighed the team down in Germany.

"At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch. We were not playing particularly well, so even when we were winning, you didn't get the feeling you were as happy as you should be," Bellingham said.

England reached the final of Euro 2024 but lost to Spain. Bellingham suggested that the team's previous successes – a World Cup semi-final in 2018 and a runners-up finish at Euro 2020 – had raised expectations to an almost impossible level.

But now, he believes the squad has found a better balance.

"I think this time round, having those experiences and knowing, for example, that the guy who scores the winning goal in the World Cup final isn't always the one you'd bet your house on – so you've always got to be ready; everyone's got to feel loved and feel a huge part of the team. The other thing is just to enjoy it."

England open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17 in Boston before facing Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27. For Bellingham, the key this time is connection, joy, and ensuring every player feels valued.