Ian Wright believes the British press ‘aren’t ready’ for Jude Bellingham and has defended the England star ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland.
The 21-year-old has found himself in the headlines ever since his heroics in the 2-1 win over Slovakia last weekend.
Bellingham netted a brilliant overhead kick to save England, who were less than 90 seconds away from going home.
But he sparked controversy after the fixture, appearing to perform a rude gesture which he insists was an ‘inside joke’ between himself and some friends.
Jude Bellingham is hoping to start for England in their Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland this weekend
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Bellingham also risked a backlash by criticising England fans and accusing them of negativity after the win.
Wright is a huge fan of the Real Madrid star, who will be hoping to be unleashed from the start against Switzerland.
And he’s now defended the 21-year-old, insisting his big personality means certain members of the British press ‘aren’t ready’ for him.
“We’re talking about someone in Jude who’s built for this kind of situation,” he told GQ.
“He reminds me of an American athlete in his confidence, at only 21.
“I’m not sure the British press are ready for that talent, and that confidence.
“Sometimes we want to quash that kind of confidence in this country.”
Bellingham’s goal against Slovakia last time out was a beauty.
And Wright, discussing his incredible acrobatic effort, added: “Everyone in this room knows that if he doesn’t score, [the England team are] getting hammered.
“We saw England fans leaving, because they were so despondent.
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“But he’s dragged it out, and he’s given us another opportunity, because that’s the calibre of player he is.”
England have been widely condemned for their flat performances out in Germany, despite being just three victories away from securing a first major trophy since 1966.
Wright hasn’t held back in his assessment of the team, with fellow pundits such as Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer refusing to mince their words either.
And the 60-year-old believes England have been ‘stumbling’ their way through the tournament so far.
“It’s tough, because as much as we are doing well by getting to the next stage, you ideally wanna be playing well to get to those stages,” he said.
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Jude Bellingham has sparked controversy ahead of England’s Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland
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“As you can see – everyone’s seeing it – we’re sort of stumbling to the next game.
“Cause it’s tournament football, that’s what you have to do.
“But ideally you wanna play well so you can get confidence, you can get momentum.”
England have work to do if they’re to finally end 58 years of hurt.
But Gareth Southgate’s side will fancy their chances of beating Switzerland and reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
Ian Wright has defended Jude Bellingham as England prepare for their Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland
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Switzerland reached the last eight with a 2-0 win over Italy last weekend, with Remo Frueler and Ruben Vargas both on target.
Yet England remain favourites to reach the final, with Netherlands and Turkey on the other side of their draw.