Jude Bellingham feeling good after narrow England win
Jude Bellingham has insisted he’s ‘feeling good’ after a few injuries for Real Madrid this season, having impressed off the bench in England’s narrow 1-0 victory over New Zealand in Tampa on Saturday night, reports BritPanorama.
Bellingham was introduced in the second half to replace Harry Kane as captain after the Bayern Munich hitman had headed the Three Lions in front.
The midfielder has faced injury setbacks this season, including missing the early part of the campaign due to a shoulder issue following surgery last July. He also sustained a hamstring injury in February and was recently rested by Real Madrid as a precaution.
Despite these challenges, the 22-year-old assuaged concerns about his fitness, declaring he feels “fully fit and firing” as the World Cup nears. “I’m feeling good,” he stated after the victory in Florida. “I’m probably a different way to into it than H [Harry Kane], but I am feeling good off the back of a tough season with a couple of injuries for the first time in my career. I feel strong. I feel excited, I feel ready.”
While England’s performance wasn’t flawless, they managed to adapt to the searing heat, which has raised questions about their stamina for upcoming matches. Bellingham noted that players will need to manage the game effectively under such conditions, acknowledging it would be “difficult” to maintain their high-pressing, high-tempo style.
“We’re going to have to manage the game well at times,” he explained. “It’s going to be difficult in the heat and with the pitches.”
Kane echoed these sentiments, stating the importance of acclimatising to the North American climate ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17. He added that while they could have increased their tally, securing the win was crucial as they prepare for the tournament.
“The heat is what we’re here for. We have to prepare for that, to prepare for the tournament,” Kane said. He also expressed his confidence in his own form, indicating he has never felt better physically and mentally, ready for the challenges ahead.
“I think physically, mentally, it is the best shape I have been in my career,” he noted. “The World Cup is the biggest tournament of all. I just can’t wait for it to get started.”
As England gears up for the World Cup, anticipation builds, tempered by the realities of heat and competition. The balance between performance and preparation will be pivotal in the coming weeks.
