By James Anderson, Ticker and SportingAlert
GLASGOW, Scotland (Sept. 12) — Jude Bellingham, the 20-year-old Real Madrid midfielder, revealed that the jeering of England’s national anthem by Scottish fans fueled the Three Lions’ resolve, culminating in a 3-1 victory over Scotland on Tuesday.
A Charged Prelude – England vs Scotland Today
The match, a friendly designed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of football’s oldest international rivalry, was anything but amicable from the get-go. The Scottish crowd’s vocal disapproval of “God Save the King” was met with a disruption of a minute’s silence for former Scotland boss Craig Brown by the visiting English fans.
“When you do that to the right team, it can really get under their skin,” Bellingham said, referring to the anthem disruption.
Read more: 5-star DE Colin Simmons commits to Texas Longhorns
“Today we were poised, calm, and composed, which actually kind of boosted us and gave us a real lift going into the game.”
Jude Bellingham Takes Center Stage
Once the whistle blew, Bellingham quickly became the focal point. He not only scored England’s second goal but also masterfully assisted Harry Kane for the team’s third.
The young midfielder has now tallied six goals in as many games for both club and country this season, following a stellar start to his career with the Spanish giants.
“I’m always learning,” Bellingham noted. “I’ve been fortunate to play with great players at my previous club and even more so at my new one.
“It’s a significant confidence boost for me. I’m working to add more attributes to my game and continue being effective in front of goal.”
The Takeaway
The charged atmosphere served as a catalyst for England’s performance, particularly for Bellingham. The young midfielder’s contributions were pivotal in England’s win, and his remarks post-match indicate a player who thrives under pressure and is continually looking to improve.
