sport news Jude Bellingham can make an impact in Qatar despite struggling against Hungary trends now
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Whatever players say, the first international after a long club season can lead to a little switch-off. It wasn’t a surprise to me England looked a bit lethargic in the heat of Budapest. I expect sharper against Germany and Italy in the next week.
Gareth Southgate will still have learned things, not least the best way to utilise Jude Bellingham.
For him to even be considered as an England player at 18 is phenomenal. He’s already gained more experience in the game than many footballers in their twenties.
Gareth Southgate will have learned more about his players after their defeat against Hungary
Jude Bellingham was handed a start, but he had some difficulties in England's 3-4-3 system
Even so, the game showed me that Bellingham’s best position isn’t as a holding midfielder in a 3-4-3. He can pass the ball but his natural instinct is to get forward and use his athleticism and creativity rather than sit in front of the defence to set up play for others.
When Southgate reverted to a back-four later on and Bellingham was able to play as an eight in a three-man midfield, he became more alive and was one of the few I saw who wanted to make things