'I felt the scapegoat' Bellingham laments media treatment on England duty

Jude Bellingham has said he felt the "whole world crumbling down on me" after being mistreated and made a scapegoat for England's defeat in the European Championship final.

- Andy Hunter

The Real Madrid midfielder, back in England for the Champions League tie at Liverpool today, posted on social media that he had "got my smile back in an England shirt" after the recent Nations League win against the Republic of Ireland.

In a searingly honest explanation of why the joy of playing for England had gone, the 21-year-old cited personal criticism in the aftermath of the Euro 2024 final defeat by Spain and media intrusion that he believes crossed a line.

Bellingham, who scored England's winner against Serbia and rescued Gareth Southgate's side in the last 16 against Slovakia, said: "I lost my smile a lot after the Euros when it came to playing for England because I felt like I was a little bit mistreated in comparison to what I contributed. I felt like some of it was a bit harsh on me. I felt I was a bit like the scapegoat. Maybe I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself."