World Cup 2026: Bellingham Says Every England Player Must ‘Feel Loved’ To End 60-Year Wait

England midfielder Jude Bellingham believes a stronger bond within the squad could be the key to ending the country’s long wait for World Cup glory, insisting every player must “feel loved” if the Three Lions are to succeed in North America this summer.

Naija News reports that the World Cup got underway on Thursday with hosts Mexico beating South Africa 2-0, while England begin their campaign next Wednesday against Croatia in Arlington, Texas.

Bellingham, who helped England reach the Euro 2024 final before their defeat to Spain, reflected on lessons learned from that tournament. The 22-year-old admitted the squad lacked the togetherness needed to thrive under pressure and said mistakes away from the pitch contributed to their disappointment.

He said, “At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch,” he said on England’s Lions’ Den show.

“I don’t feel like the group connected as well as it could have for several reasons. Expectation was part of it. We had done well in 2018 and done well in Qatar and when it came to that tournament we were seen as one of two or three teams that should win it.

“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.”

England were frequently criticised for their performances during Euro 2024 despite progressing to the final, with Bellingham previously suggesting he felt unfairly targeted following the team’s failure to lift the trophy.

The midfielder said the current camp has a different atmosphere and urged the squad to enjoy the journey while maintaining their hunger for success.

“There has to be that element of relentless and wanting to win but it is the nature of football that wins go out of the system quickly and we should hold on to that moment a little more,” he said.

“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 are chasing a first World Cup title since 1966, and teammate Morgan Rogers echoed Bellingham’s belief that unity could make the difference.

The Aston Villa forward, who may compete with Bellingham for the number 10 role, said the squad’s chemistry has made it easy for players from different backgrounds and clubs to settle quickly.

He said, “We are really aligned and it is really easy and seamless for anyone to fit in the group.

“Wherever you are from, wherever you play, it doesn’t matter in this group. It is a joy to be here.”