Reason dressing room was 'glad to see back of Jude Bellingham' as same problems emerge

England powerhouse Jude Bellingham has all the potential to be the answer to his country’s silverware prayers. However, it appears some of his Euro 2024 teammates might need persuading.

Real Madrid shelled out a whopping £95million (potentially rising to £120m) for the ex-Birmingham City sensation last summer, pipping stiff competition from many of Europe’s top clubs. Given a player of his calibre doesn’t come around often, his departure was a blow for Borussia Dortmund and their supporters.

However, German newspaper Bild (via The Mirror) reported in August 2023 that not everyone at the Westfalenstadion shared that sentiment, with some ‘glad to see the back of him’. Bellingham – who joined Dortmund at 17 and spent three years at the club – left under a minor cloud amid rumours of some team-mates developing a dislike for certain traits he exhibited.

One point of contention was reportedly Bellingham’s habit of basking in the fans’ adoration after the rest of the squad had departed, particularly following Erling Haaland’s move to Manchester City in 2022. It was suggested Bellingham would regularly hang back instead of joining the squad for celebrations, then soak up celebrations on his own.

Another alleged issue was a perceived lack of respect towards team-mates and his choice of language. Most notably, an incident was highlighted where he criticised Nico Schulz in very strong fashion during a match against Rangers in 2022.

Despite being fast-tracked into Dortmund’s leadership group, some players felt Bellingham wasn’t quite up to the task. Bild reported he wasn’t always available as a point of contact for his colleagues, but club officials like Sebastian Kehl refrained from reprimanding him for fear it might jeopardise his move to Madrid.

Almost one year later, The Athletic is reporting similar issues from within the England camp. One common theme has suggested Bellingham doesn’t have strong connections with a lot of his team-mates, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold seemingly a rare exception.

Bellingham, now 21, is a standout talent with the world at his feet. But that doesn’t necessarily jive with the team ethos Gareth Southgate – who departed as England boss on Tuesday – worked tirelessly to inspire, ditching the individualistic mentality that has hindered England squads of the past.

Three Lions icon Wayne Rooney discussed said lack of team ethic in The Times, suggesting Bellingham was showing his frustrations with team-mates too easily. The former Manchester United and Everton talisman noted occasions in the bore draw against Slovenia where his countryman’s actions concerned him.

Like at Dortmund, Bellingham was elevated to a leadership group for England alongside Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and Declan Rice. However, it’s understood Bellingham didn’t step up for certain media duties outside the obligatory rotation at Euro 2024, while more minor figures within the squad did.

“It may be time to grow up, make decisions and say, ‘I need to help out and speak during the difficult times,'” wrote Rooney in one column. “Because if England win these Euros, I’m sure you’ll see him doing interviews.”

Bellingham has left no doubt that he possesses the potential – both in talent and character – to guide England into a new era of success. But certain supposed shortcomings at Dortmund, and now with the national team, could hinder both him and England from living up to expectations.