'IF YOU SEE HOW ENGLAND PLAY, YOU GET TEARS IN YOUR EYES' - EX-GERMANY STAR INSISTS EURO 2024 TEAMS WILL NOT FEAR FACING THREE LIONS AS JUDE BELLINGHAM TOLD HE NEEDS A 'KICK UP THE BACKSIDE'

WHAT HAPPENED?

England's performance in the group stage has left much to be desired. Despite entering the tournament with high expectations, the Three Lions have struggled to find their rhythm, prompting concerns about their tactical approach under Gareth Southgate. They started off the tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Serbia, but their form dipped significantly in the subsequent matches and were held to a draw by Denmark and Slovenia.

WHAT MARKUS BABBEL SAID

Former Germany international Babbel has been vocal about England's shortcomings. He expressed his astonishment at England's lacklustre displays, noting that they appeared disjointed and ineffective.

In an interview with Bet365, Babbel said: "Germany wouldn’t have any fear coming up against England. England might well have the best players but they have been so poor. If you see how England play, you get tears in your eyes. I’m not sure what they are trying to do, if you look at Trent Alexander-Arnold he is incredible for Liverpool and then for England, you’d think it was his twin brother.

"There are top players, but no one is performing, England can’t be worse than they were in the group stage. I wish that Germany would have played against England because it was the easiest draw if you go by the group games. If they perform like they can then it will be difficult to beat them, but at the moment they look awful."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Central to England's struggles has been the form of Bellingham. After a stellar season with Real Madrid, where he showcased his scoring prowess and midfield dominance, Bellingham was expected to be a key player for England. He delivered a standout performance in the opener against Serbia, scoring the decisive goal. However, his impact waned in the matches that followed, particularly in the goalless draw against Slovenia.

According to Babbel, Bellingham's body language on the pitch has been concerning, suggesting that the young midfielder might be overestimating his current standing due to his Champions League success with Real Madrid.

"The body language from Jude Bellingham, my God, what's going on with him?" he asked.

"Maybe he thinks that because he won the Champions League that now he’s the absolute superstar of England? Come on. If I was playing with him, I would kick him up the backside. He's a top, top player. There's a reason why he won the Champions League with Real Madrid because he's an outstanding player, but when I see his body language, I go mad.

"He's still a young player. If Harry Kane was doing it then maybe. He has played so many years in the Premier League and was often the top scorer. Okay, I’d understand that. But, Bellingham? Come on. He's doing well with Real Madrid but when you’re playing for England you have to give everything. If you don’t want to run, that's not good enough for me because I expect so much more from this kind of player."

WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

With the knockout stages looming, Southgate faces crucial decisions regarding his team selection and tactics. There have been suggestions that Bellingham might be better utilized in a deeper role alongside Declan Rice, allowing him to focus on his strengths in ball distribution and defensive duties. This adjustment could also help address England's midfield issues, providing more stability and control in matches. Their next test will be against Slovakia in the last-16 on Sunday.