Bellingham hits back over Euro 2024 treatment claiming he was a ‘scapegoat’

Jude Bellingham says he felt like a scapegoat after England fell just short at the 2024 European Championship when he criticized journalists for “crossing a line” by coming to his grandparents' house.

The 21-year-old started every match for England in Germany and scored twice on their way to the final, where they were defeated 2-1 by Spain in what was the final game of Gareth Southgate's reign as boss.

Bellingham said he had gotten his “smile back” while working under England interim boss Lee Carsley during the most recent international break in November after wins over Ireland and Greece.

Asked to explain these comments ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League match against Liverpool on Wednesday, the midfielder said: “I felt a bit abused compared to what I contributed. I felt a bit like the scapegoat.

'That camp [with Carsley]with a lot of new faces, really brought out the joy in my playing.”

He added: “I felt like I contributed some pretty big moments and in the end it felt like the whole world was crumbling down on me after the European Championship, especially after the three days after the final. It wasn't a nice feeling.”

Bellingham said he had no contact with the media during the tournament as he felt journalists had shown him a lack of respect by visiting his family while he was in Germany.

“I think one of the biggest criticisms of me was that I didn't speak to the media, that I didn't want to hold press conferences. I think that was reported in a way that made it sound like I think I'm up there, that's not it at all,” he said.

“I had some personal stuff going on where journalists went to visit my family while I was at the tournament – ​​they went to visit my grandparents. It's something I've kept to myself.

“I don't think that's fair. I think that crosses the line of respect. I think that's where for me I took it a little bit personally and decided I was just going to focus on the football and try to leave that to happen.” talking, instead of talking in the press to people who apparently don't respect me.

'That was very important to me. I think my family comes first. My grandma wouldn't leave her house all summer, bless her.

“So I think maybe I should have communicated that earlier so people understood my situation, but that was a little more personal to me and that's why I decided not to do that. [and] Just to keep my mouth shut.”

What did Bellingham say about Carsley?

Bellingham took to Instagram to thank Carsley after his final game as interim England boss earlier this month.

“Big thanks to Lee and his staff for their work over the last few camps,” Bellingham wrote after the 5-0 win over Ireland.

“I have my smile back and the England shirt, very grateful!”