Jude Bellingham has been told to control his emotions by former Manchester United star Paul Parker after England's sticky start to Euro 2024. Parker isn't convinced Bellingham is handling the relentless attention on him well enough to be recognised as Gareth Southgate's leading hope of glory in Germany.
The 21-year-old is an untouchable fixture in the England team, starting all three Group C games against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.
Bellingham's flying header earned the Three Lions a 1-0 victory in their curtain-raiser against the Serbs, but he has been among the below-par players in the two matches that followed.
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All eyes have been on the Real Madrid sensation to help guide England to their first major trophy in 58 years following an incredible first season in Spain.
Bellingham has already reached superstardom after helping Real lift La Liga and a 15th Champions League at Wembley Stadium last term.
But Parker believes the weight of the expectation on the former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund midfielder's shoulders is taking its toll.
"I have noticed that Jude Bellingham has seemed very, very frustrated. It's the same in every game with him," Parker told mybettingsites.co.uk.
"He gets too emotional. Far too emotional. He has taken on what the press has been writing about him, but he should concentrate more about his performances. He has been disappearing in big parts of all games.
"It has been mentioned that he should be the one winning the trophy for England, but to be honest, the press should talk about the team and not just him."
Parker urged fans and pundits alike to remember Bellingham's age, branding the expectations on him due to Real's incredible campaign as "ridiculous".
The 60-year-old claimed that the attention on the England No. 10, from supporter chants to media coverage, is having a negative impact on how he is trying to play.
Parker added: "Is he handling it very well? I don't think so. Not at this moment in time. The England fans are singing his name all the time, which is too much.
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"He is frustrated because he thinks he can win the games on his own, but he should rather focus on helping his teammates.
"Bellingham is England's biggest concern right now. Bellingham has looked ill-disciplined, throwing himself to the floor and constantly chasing the referee.
"He is playing football like he is playing in a school yard. He has been petulant. Too much importance has been given to him far too early.
"He can sound mature and conduct himself well in interviews, but this is about football. He wants to be a hero, which is a big, big problem."
