Jude Bellingham can shine in Qatar despite struggling against Hungary

DANNY MURPHY: Gareth Southgate’s 3-4-3 formation does not suit Jude Bellingham… but the forward-thinking midfielder is a phenomenal talent who can still make an impact in Qatar

• Jude Bellingham started for England alongside Declan Rice on Saturday
• He played as a holding midfielder against Hungary, and it did not suit his skillset
• When he moved higher up the pitch in the second half, he looked more effective 
• Gareth Southgate may opt for Rice and Kalvin Phillips in midfield in Qatar
• However, Bellingham’s ability to get forward could be crucial at some stage 

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 happen.

He had a shot blocked and made a couple of late runs into the penalty, Frank Lampard-style, but unfortunately wasn’t found.

Only one teenager this century has started an opening World Cup game for England, Raheem Sterling in 2014.

It shows how hard it will be for Bellingham and I suspect Southgate will begin with the tried and trusted Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Mason Mount in Qatar. There is no shame in that for the teenager and he’s more than capable of making an impact if he is called up during the tournament.

Southgate is likely to put his faith in Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice at the World Cup

Bellingham may have to wait patiently for his opportunity in Qatar later this year

At his age, it’s inevitable Bellingham will have some games in which he looks brilliant, and others where he has less influence. Longer-term, I have not doubt he will be phenomenal and an England regular. It’s just a big ask for him to achieve that by November.

You have to remember he is still younger than Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips were when the 2018 World Cup took place. They weren’t in Southgate’s plans at all at that stage.

Bellingham may have a couple of years in and out of the England team but after that he’ll be a cornerstone. He has shown at Borussia Dortmund he has the mentality to cope with pressure.

It’s always important to recognise a player’s strengths. When I played with Steven Gerrard at Liverpool, he enjoyed smashing into tackles as much as setting up goals. It made him a natural box-to-box midfielder.

Bellingham has proven himself at club level, and will become an important player for England

Bellingham is different, he prefers getting forward and making things happen, not being in a deep position where he is restricted.

I’ve always preferred Southgate’s England in a 4-3-3 because that is the formation most of his players are comfortable with from their clubs. The Hungary defeat hasn’t changed my mind. I wasn’t surprised we switched from the back-three after falling behind.

There are only five internationals left before the next World Cup and I think it’s going to be difficult for anyone to make a late run now into Southgate’s squad, given the quality he is already picking and his loyalty to those who have reached a World Cup semi-final and European Championship final. It doesn’t mean squad players can’t become starters during a tournament however.

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