England manager Gareth Southgate has advised midfielder Jude Bellingham to prioritize rest and recovery before joining the squad for Euro 2024. Bellingham played a key role in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph, but Southgate believes it’s crucial for him to switch off mentally and physically after a demanding season.
Despite England’s preparations for the tournament, Southgate emphasized that Bellingham’s well-being is paramount. “The most important thing is rest and recovery, and we will benefit from that,” Southgate stated, acknowledging the challenges of international football’s demanding schedule.
Bellingham’s impressive season with Madrid saw him feature in 42 games, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists. Southgate understands the importance of managing players’ workload and ensuring they are in peak condition for the tournament.
England is set to play Bosnia and Herzegovina in a pre-tournament friendly before facing Iceland. Southgate will then trim his squad from 33 to 26 players, with Bellingham expected to be included regardless of his involvement in the friendlies.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign kicks off against Serbia on June 16, followed by matches against Denmark and Slovenia to complete their group stage fixtures.