The truth surrounding England’s Euro 2024 campaign has come to light, especially during a candid conversation between Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers on the Lions’ Den sofa last week. While the setting, overseen by the Football Association, may have seemed controlled, Bellingham candidly expressed his thoughts on the team’s dynamics during the tournament.
“It didn’t feel like there was any kind of hierarchy,” the 22-year-old remarked. “I think at the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch. I don’t feel like the group connected as well as it could have – for a number of reasons.”
His admission wasn’t groundbreaking, yet hearing such sentiments from one of the squad’s pivotal players before England embarks on another World Cup journey is noteworthy.
“We weren’t playing particularly well, which doesn’t help,” Bellingham elaborated. “Even when we were winning we didn’t get the feeling that we were as happy as we should be. You want to win, but the nature of football is that wins go out of the system very quickly.”
England struggled to maintain a positive atmosphere throughout the tournament, and the disconnection among players was evident. Concerns were raised as they prepared for Germany, highlighted by Gareth Southgate needing to clarify his squad selections to Harry Kane during a stroll at Tottenham’s training facility.
While some might generously label Southgate’s choices as questionable, a more accurate portrayal is that he lost touch with his managerial identity. After emphasizing the importance of a strong camp culture, it was surprising to see him select a number of inexperienced players while sidelining seasoned professionals like Harry Maguire, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, and notably, Jordan Henderson.
England struggled in the absence of Henderson’s guiding influence. Despite Bellingham’s flashes of brilliance, moments of frustration crept into his performance. The young midfielder appeared to lack the support of a veteran presence to mentor him, a role Henderson would have filled. Kane’s relief was palpable when Thomas Tuchel, following Southgate’s departure, reinstated Henderson to the squad.
Tuchel invested considerable time analyzing England’s lack of identity on the field. He recognized that fostering a positive environment off the pitch would be significantly easier with Henderson’s presence, as he upholds high standards in the locker room.
As Henderson approaches his 36th birthday before England’s opening World Cup match against Croatia, he is no longer a guaranteed starter and has seen a decline in his physical capabilities. Critics suggest he is merely in the U.S. to guide younger players like Bellingham. Many fans believed his international career ended when he transferred to the Saudi Pro League in 2023.
Such opinions persist, raising the question of why the focus should remain on Henderson rather than younger talents like Adam Wharton. The answer lies in the immense respect Henderson commands from his teammates. Tuchel has examined team dynamics and consistently emphasized the importance of camaraderie, noting that players feel more liberated when Henderson is present.
During their appearance on Lions’ Den, both Bellingham and Rogers hailed Henderson as the finest individual they’ve encountered in football. They emphasized his significant contributions behind the scenes. Henderson is often seen as the unifying force within the team, and he radiated authority when he addressed the media for 25 minutes at England’s training facility in Kansas City on Monday.
He defended Bellingham, asserting that external interpretations of the young midfielder’s character are misguided. He praised Declan Rice, who has recently been appointed as England’s vice-captain. “It’s important to make sure the culture off the pitch is good but that’s not down to one person,” Henderson noted. “Everyone has a role to play. It’s creating a culture to keep driving each other forward.”
Henderson showcased his intensity during England’s closed-door friendly against Miami FC last Thursday. The previous day, he observed as Tuchel’s squad triumphed over Costa Rica in Tampa. “When I look back at pre-tournament games, that is the very best I’ve seen,” Henderson reflected. “It’s about taking that into Croatia.”
Tuchel emphasized the critical role of pressing in defining England’s playing style. Bellingham, who was preferred over Rogers for the No. 10 role, excelled defensively and played a crucial part in the team’s impressive performance, appearing far more composed than during the Euros.
England fully understands that tournament success often hinges on maintaining a positive atmosphere within the squad. Tuchel has prioritized character in his selections, opting for players eager to compete. His decision to omit Maguire proved wise, especially after the defender publicly addressed his exclusion on social media. Henderson likely resents being perceived as merely a glorified cheerleader; he believes he can still make an impact on the field, even if that means coming off the bench to assist with game management.
Nonetheless, it is undeniable that Henderson’s leadership will be vital behind the scenes. Southgate misjudged his value, initially supporting Henderson after his move to Saudi Arabia, only to reverse his decision right before the Euros, deeming him unfit for selection.
Southgate failed to appreciate Henderson’s character. Listening to Bellingham makes it clear why Tuchel has avoided making the same mistake.
