JUDE BELLINGHAM BAN FOR LEWD GESTURE WOULD BE A 'BLESSING' FOR ENGLAND AS GARETH SOUTHGATE TOLD HE SHOULD HAVE ALREADY AXED REAL MADRID SUPERSTAR

WHAT HAPPENED?

England's Euro 2024 campaign has been thrown into turmoil as Bellingham faces potential disciplinary action. The 21-year-old Real Madrid player, who netted a dramatic overhead kick in the 95th minute against Slovakia, is under investigation by UEFA for an inappropriate gesture made during his celebration. Bellingham pretended to grab his genitals, an action that has led to UEFA demanding an explanation. The governing body has given Bellingham three days to respond, with the midfielder previously describing the gesture as an "inside joke" aimed at friends present at the match.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Despite his on-field heroics, Bellingham's overall performance at Euro 2024 has attracted criticism. Former Germany international Dietmar Hamann has voiced concerns, suggesting that Bellingham has not lived up to the expectations set by his performances at Real Madrid. Hamann, who has been vocal about his views, believes that Bellingham, along with Phil Foden and Harry Kane, should be dropped from the starting lineup and argued that a potential ban could inadvertently benefit Southgate.

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WHAT HAMANN SAID

In an interview with BILD, Hamann remarked: "Gareth Southgate should have made the decision earlier to take out Bellingham or Phil Foden. Now he may be forced to be lucky if Bellingham is suspended. If he has to sit out, that might even be a blessing. That might even help the team. Something has to happen."

Hamann also expressed his disapproval of the celebration following Bellingham's equalizing goal, where the young midfielder shouted "Who else?" to the crowd. The pundit also pointed to previous instances, including a controversial comment about referee Felix Zwayer during Bellingham's time at Borussia Dortmund, suggesting a pattern of behaviour that he finds unacceptable.

"I don't like his behaviour," Hamann said. "There was his statement two and a half years ago in Dortmund about referee Felix Zwayer, where he got away with a fine, but in my opinion, should have been banned. Without your colleagues you are nothing - and if he then stands up and says that, then I would be interested to hear what his teammates say. Apart from his goals, he was not seen in the first four games.

"I would wait and see where he is in 2 or 3 years. We don't need to talk about the fact that he is a talented player, but some things have happened that you shouldn't do."

WHAT NEXT?

Southgate has faced increased scrutiny over his team selections throughout Euro 2024. Critics have argued that some of his choices, including persisting with underperforming players, have hindered England's progress. However, it is unlikely that he would drop Bellingham during the quarter-final match against Switzerland, especially after his stoppage-time heroics in the last 16.