Jeff Stelling tells Jude Bellingham people want him 'sent home' from England camp
Jude Bellingham is in hot water with UEFA after making a childish gesture following his goal against Slovakia, and Jeff Stelling claims some England fans will be happy to see the back of him
Some England fans want Jude Bellingham sent home from the Euros, according to Jeff Stelling.
The Real Madrid superstar, 21, has had a disappointing tournament, but grabbed the headlines after snatching a last-gasp equaliser, courtesy of a spectacular bicycle kick, in England's last-16 clash with Slovakia on Sunday to take the game to extra time. Harry Kane later grabbed the winner to see England through to the quarter-finals, but it was Bellingham who stole all the post-match attention - for all the wrong reasons.
After his goal, the midfielder made an obscene, X-rated gesture towards the Slovakian bench, something he later claimed was "an inside joke gesture towards some close friends" on social media. UEFA subsequently opened an investigation into the matter, and Bellingham is now facing the very real possibility of a suspension.
Speaking on his Football's Greatest podcast, Stelling claimed that said ban wouldn't be the kick in the teeth you'd expect it to be for many supporters. "I know some England fans who want him sent home for what he did. Because they say kids were watching or whatever," he said.
Bellingham put his foot it in for a second time during the post-match press conference, where he hit out at England's fans for giving Gareth Southgate's side some stick due to their underwhelming performances out in Germany.
In response, Stelling pondered whether Bellingham needed some of his more seasoned team-mates to get in his ear and offer him some advice on how to handle himself. "The fans have been amazingly supportive of England out here, and especially of Jude Bellingham, because they know he's a real superstar," the legendary former Soccer Saturday host said.
"I just wonder in that sort of situation, whether it's the likes of Harry Kane who should be going to him, putting his arm around him and saying, 'This is how you handle it, son. Don't say that, don't do that, don't make gestures, which could be perceived to be abusive or insulting.' Because that could cost him, and England, big time."
Co-host Paul Merson wasn't so sure and defended Bellingham's controversial antics. "I don't know, Jeff. He's just scored a last-minute goal to keep you in the tournament.
"We haven't done well, everybody's on their backs. It [the gesture] was just a release, I don't see much wrong with it myself.... he's still a young kid."
Despite scoring twice in four matches, Bellingham's performances at Euro 2024 have left a lot to be desired. Then again, the same can be said for all of England's top stars, who have been struggling to gel since the tournament began.
Up next is a clash with Switzerland on Saturday, and victory there would set up a semi-final tie with either the Netherlands or Turkey. Whether Bellingham will play any further part in England's campaign remains to be seen for the time being, with the result of UEFA's probe expected to be announced on Friday.
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