• Bellingham claimed he was a scapegoat for England
• Real Madrid star failed to inspire Three Lions at Euro 2024
• Branded "deluded" and "childlike" for comments

WHAT HAPPENED?

England stuttered their way to the final of Euro 2024 but fell short once again at the final hurdle. Although making it to the ultimate showdown can be seen as a success, it was a summer of luck for the Three Lions and they were completely outclassed by Spain when it mattered most. Bellingham was one of the stars expected to lead and guide his country to European glory but ultimately failed. He has since spoken out, suggesting he was made a scapegoat during and after the tournament. His comments have now been hounded out in a scathing review by the Mail Online.

WHAT WAS SAID?

In the article, it was said that: "Jude Bellingham is deluded if he thinks he was England's Euros scapegoat - he is showing a childlike absence of responsibility. The truth of the matter is that Bellingham didn’t have a great summer with England. He was not alone. He scored that magnificent goal but his general play was far below his usual standards."

Indeed, fans on social media have expressed similar concerns about Bellingham's "scapegoat" comments.

User Duncan Wright wronte on 'X': "Bellingham felt mistreated? The bloke went into the Euros happy to front an entire commercial campaign portraying him as the saviour of English football, banking the money as he self assumed that role on the pedestal. Then threw a tantrum when he received scrutiny? Nah, grow up."

Neo added: Jude Bellingham making out he was a scapegoat for the Euro final defeat? The coverage of him before and after was gushing. What is he genuinely on about the c***."

Gareth Kaye, meanwhile, referred to David Beckham's treatment in the past, adding: "Jesus, these current lot should see what Beckham had to go through in 1998, then they would know 'scapegoat' actually looks like!"

Dr Dolittle wrote: "God, he genuinely loves the attention. The man needs to properly chill out, the world doesn’t revolve around him."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Bellingham was not the only one who struggled in Germany during the summer. Plenty of other star players failed to live up to their usual standards, and questions are still being asked on why Gareth Southgate did not utilise the likes of Cole Palmer or change his tactics against higher-quality opposition. Real Madrid's 21-year-old star has the weight of the world on his shoulders following his rapid rise and he is always going to be singled out if he doesn't produce his usual moments of magic.

WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

Bellingham's comments have unsurprisingly not been met with great enthusiasm by the British media but the former Birmingham man has never been afraid to speak his mind. He is more than capable of heading back to Spain following Madrid's defeat to Liverpool and lifting his game as Los Blancos chase down Barcelona in the race for the La Liga title. Madrid are next in action on Sunday, when they face Getafe.