Jude Bellingham says ‘perspective’ needed after England draw with Belgium - ‘Everyone will be negative about it’

Jude Bellingham stresses "perspective" is needed after his stoppage-time goal rescued England a 2-2 draw with Belgium on Tuesday at Wembley.

That followed on from a 1-0 defeat to Brazil as Gareth Southgate's side continue their preparations for Euro 2024.

Bellingham says he is expecting the team to receive plenty of criticism for their performances, but wants fans to look at the bigger picture.

"I liked it [the goal] because I knew the rubbish we would have got if we had lost two games on the bounce,"

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"I think with these games, you've got to keep perspective in mind. There's a lot of lads making debuts. A lot of those boys I've never played with before.

"I thought we created a lot of chances. I had one there that I should score, and a couple of other shots on goal. I'm happy that I could make it up to the team, but really we should be winning with all the chances that we've made.

"It's one of those things. I think it's two games that will stand us in great stead going into the Euros.

"I know everyone will be negative about it, but you have to take these games for what they are, use the positives, learn from the negatives and I'm sure we'll be fine."

Bellingham's goal was his first on home soil for England, having previously scored against Iran at the 2022 World Cup, before netting against Scotland at Hampden Park last year.

Youri Tielemans had earlier twice given Belgium the lead, either side of a first international goal for Ivan Toney.

But the result came at a cost for the Three Lions, who saw John Stones limp off early on, adding to a host of injury problems that Southgate has had to work with.

Bellingham insists the list of absentees has to be factored in when analysing England's performance.

"It's hard for the gaffer," he continued. "People need to realise how hard a job it is. You plan these games, these size of games, because you expect a fully fit team and you expect to give it a really good crack.

"Then the skipper [Harry Kane] gets injured, Bukayo Sako, Jordan Henderson's obviously out, Kyle Walker, John Stones now.

"It's a really difficult one for us, but I'm sure the manager's glad with the players that he got to see, because they came in and they were brilliant.

"Over the two games, I'm pleased with my team-mates. Of course, I'm never happy to lose and draw, but you've got to be pleased with how some of them played."

While only 20 years old, Bellingham is a relative veteran compared to one of his team-mates.

Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo made his international debut in the fixture, with Southgate trusting the teenager with a starting berth.

Bellingham is two years his senior, and was impressed with what he saw from the midfielder.

"He was good tonight," he added. "It's difficult. I'm speaking like the older one here, but I know how hard it can be when there's a clamour and people put a lot of pressure on you.

"I don't want to add the fuel to the fire, but he's definitely a brilliant player. He's going to have an amazing future at Manchester United, and hopefully for England as well."

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