BELL OF THE FALL

Kick a man while he's down but Jude's a long way from deserving the crown as next Three Lions captain

- JEREMY CROSS

CAPTAINING England is the ultimate honour for a footballer.

And it’s also the ultimate responsibility.

Which is why Jude Bellingham shouldn't even come into the conversation when it comes to discussing a replacement for Harry Kane.

And if this goes on to happen, Bellingham will only have himself to blame for being overlooked.

Because taking the armband should be viewed as the greatest privilege.

Not a rite of passage to someone like Bellingham, whose apparent sense of entitlement has seen him dumped from the squad altogether.

It feels like open season right now when it comes to giving Bellingham a kicking while he’s down.

Thomas Tuchel has pricked his bubble and burst his ego at the same time.

He's made it clear he wants footballers in his squad who want what's best for the team instead of themselves.