Gareth Southgate responds to Jude Bellingham ‘hint’ as England boss states role

England boss Gareth Southgate has responded to Jude Bellingham after he dropped a hint over his favourite position. The midfielder put in a starring display during Tuesday’s win over Scotland and gave an indication as to where he prefers to play for the Three Lions.

Scotland v England: In pictures

Bellingham scored and grabbed an assist as England overcame Steve Clarke’s side 3-1. The visitors raced into a 2-0 lead by half-time with goals from the Real Madrid star and Phil Foden.

Scotland pulled a goal back when Harry Maguire turned into his own net. But skipper Harry Kane restored the two-goal advantage after being set up by Bellingham.

The 20-year-old enjoyed his night in a more advanced role than he played in Saturday’s 1-1 Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine. Bellingham admitted afterwards that he prefers to occupy position he played in Glasgow.

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And he laughed during the interview as he looked at the camera when dropping the “hint” to Southgate. Asked what his favourite position is, Bellingham told Channel 4: “I think today was probably close. I know it depends on the system we play and it’s tough because we’ve got so many amazing players to accommodate for and to get the best out of, so we shouldn’t just be built around what I do really well.

“The team have to come first always and I do my best to try and slot in and do whatever the gaffer wants. I probably think this one was a bit better suited than the one at the weekend.

“No hint to the gaffer (laughs)! No I really enjoyed playing in that position tonight.”

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Bellingham was one of the main topics during Southgate’s interview shortly after. The long-serving manager was asked the same question and seemed to agree with his player, but admitted it changes depending on the opposition.

Southgate said: “Well I think that high sort of midfield position, whether that’s an attacking eight or where he played tonight. He likes to run forward, he can get in the box, his game to receive is a little bit better up in those areas as well.

“Tonight his athleticism to press was important, Scotland’s system is difficult to play against so we slightly changed our system because we needed to get pressure on them all over the pitch and he did that really well.”

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