Jeff Stelling has claimed to know some people who want Jude Bellingham ‘sent home’ from Euro 2024 ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Switzerland.
The 21-year-old has scored twice at the tournament so far, helping Gareth Southgate’s side reach the quarter-finals of the competition as a result.
But Bellingham could be banned by UEFA after appearing to perform a rude gesture after the 2-1 win over Slovakia on Sunday.
The midfielder has denied any wrongdoing and says it was an ‘inside joke’ between himself and some friends who were in attendance.
Euro 2024: Jeff Stelling claims some England fans want Jude Bellingham sent home ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Switzerland
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Most England fans are eager to see Bellingham start for the Three Lions as they prepare to tackle Switzerland on Saturday.
Yet Stelling knows some who ‘want him sent home’ from the tournament, despite his quality and brilliance.
“I know some England fans who want him sent home for what he did,” he said on his Football’s Greatest podcast.
“Because they say kids were watching or whatever.”
After the game, Bellingham decided to hit out at England fans.
He said it had been tough attempting to drown out the ‘negativity’ from outside the camp and defended England for their inconsistent performances.
But Stelling thinks Bellingham was wrong with his comments, with the former Sky Sports presenter adding: “The fans have been amazingly supportive of England out here, and especially of Jude Bellingham, because they know he’s a real superstar.
“I just wonder in that sort of situation, whether it’s the likes of Harry Kane who should be going to him, putting his arm around him and saying, ‘This is how you handle it, son. Don’t say that, don’t do that, don’t make gestures, which could be perceived to be abusive or insulting.’
“Because that could cost him, and England, big time.”
Paul Merson, also speaking on the podcast, has a different view.
READ MORE: Jude Bellingham ban ‘could be a blessing’ as England prepare for crunch Switzerland showdown
The Arsenal icon has defended Bellingham and believes his comments were those of a ‘young kid’.
He said: “We haven’t done well, everybody’s on their backs.
“It [the gesture] was just a release, I don’t see much wrong with it myself…. he’s still a young kid.”
As things stand, Bellingham is expected to start for England when they go up against Switzerland.
Reports say he will be fined by UEFA, rather than banned.
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And that will be a huge boost to Gareth Southgate, with England now just three victories away from ending 58 years of hurt.
Southgate, meanwhile, lavished praise on Bellingham after his stunning goal for the Three Lions against Slovakia last weekend.
“I understand his world better than most people,” he said when asked about the 21-year-old’s comments about England fans.
Euro 2024: Jude Bellingham recently blasted England fans as Switzerland clash looms
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“His world is different to pretty much any other 21‑year‑old in the world.
“He is still a young man and is going to react to things as young people can, but he provides moments where he can change games.”
England won 2-1 when they last faced Switzerland back in March 2022, with Luke Shaw and Harry Kane both on target.