'I was mistreated' - Jude Bellingham explains why he 'lost smile playing for England' after Euro 2024 as Real Madrid star claims he was made 'the scapegoat' for poor performances

Expectations were high around England heading into Euro 2024, and Bellingham specifically, as he went into the tournament on the back of a dream debut season in Spain with Real Madrid. He won the Champions League and La Liga with Los Blancos and was the club's second-highest scorer with 23 goals in the 2023-24 season.

The English star got off to a flying start in the European Championship as he scored the only goal in the Three Lions' tournament opener against Serbia. He also scored the last-gasp equaliser against Slovakia with an overhead kick which helped his team avoid elimination from the round of 16. Bellingham provided the assist for Cole Palmer in the final, too, but he was regularly criticised for his overall performances in Germany. Bellingham felt he was being made "the scapegoat" for England's struggles and revealed he lost his smile while representing the national team.

Speaking to reporters, the 21-year-old said: "I lost my smile a lot playing for England after the Euros as I felt I was a little mistreated compared to what I contributed. [The] smile is back [now]. I think it was a bit harsh on me. I felt a bit like the scapegoat.

"Maybe I felt a bit sorry for myself. I felt I contributed some pretty big moments, but it felt like the whole world was crumbling down on me, especially in the three days after the final. It wasn't a nice feeling."

The England international has returned to his homeland for Real Madrid's upcoming mega Champions League encounter against Liverpool on Wednesday at Anfield.