I felt like the scapegoat after the Euros – Jude Bellingham

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham believes he was made a scapegoat for England’s Euro 2024 shortcomings.

Gareth Southgate’s side lost in the final to Spain and Bellingham finished the tournament with two goals and one assist in seven appearances.

However, the 21-year-old felt England’s failure was pinned more on him than anyone else and it took him several months to get over that.

After helping the national team qualify for the Nations League under interim boss Lee Carsley, Bellingham posted on Instagram earlier this month he had “got his smile back”.

Asked about why he had found things so difficult he said: “I’ve got to be honest, I think I lost my smile a lot after the Euros when it came to playing for England because I felt like I was a little bit mistreated in comparison to what I contributed.

“I felt like some of it was a bit harsh on me. I felt I was a bit like the scapegoat. Maybe I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself.”

Speaking at Anfield ahead of the Champions League clash with Liverpool he added: “I think that camp (under Carsley earlier this month) with a lot of new faces really brought out the joy in my game again and I think you can see that in the two games.

“In general, I haven’t lost my smile in the Madrid shirt. I am annoyed when we lose and I get frustrated but it is never a case of not being happy.

“I’m the luckiest lad in the world. I get to play week in week out for the biggest club in the world and represent my country.

“I think it (the post) was more to with a little bit of how I was treated on the back of the Euros. The smile is back.”