England boss Gareth Southgate explains how he's getting the best out of Real Madrid sensation Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich's Harry Kane at international level

England remained unbeaten throughout the 2023 calendar year, having won eight out of the 10 international matches they played. They qualified for Euro 2024 by winning six out of eight games and topped their qualifying group. Two of the brightest stars of the current Three Lions side, Kane and Bellingham had excellent outings for both club and country and manager Gareth Southgate revealed how he managed to bring out the best out of the two star players at the international level.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the England boss said: "We have played him higher - Jude just off Harry in some of the matches. That has allowed us to attack and defend in a slightly different way. We'd be mad not to try and get that partnership working together. The maturity to adapt to that, the way he has, says everything, really, about how he is as a player and as a character.

"Not that Southgate will allow Bellingham to forget about his defensive duties when I ask whether that could be Bellingham's role in the future - an attacking number 10? "He has got some responsibility," the boss says, animatedly. He might not always do that, but he has got some responsibility to get back. So if he's watching, let's get that right!"

Both Kane and Bellingham switched clubs this summer as the forward headed to Bayern Munich from Tottenham and the midfielder moved to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham has managed to score 17 times in 21 appearances for Los Blancos and provided five assists while the England captain is currently leading the Golden Boot race in Bundesliga having scored 21 goals in 15 outings and struck a further four times in the Champions League.

In international matches, the star forward played nine out of 10 England games this year and scored on nine occasions. The 20-year-old, on the other hand, played in five matches where he scored once.

Both players are currently enjoying winter break and will be next seen in action for their respective clubs in the new year. While Bayern will take on Hoffenheim on January 12, Carlo Ancelotti's side are scheduled to face Mallorca on January 3 in La Liga.