How Real Madrid have helped Jude Bellingham add England ‘X-factor’ as Alan Shearer backs Ballon d’Or contender to play ‘huge part’ in bid for Euro 2024 glory

The 20-year-old playmaker has enjoyed a dream debut campaign at Santiago Bernabeu on the back of his big-money transfer from Borussia Dortmund. Bellingham has broken through the 20-goal barrier while becoming a La Liga title winner and Champions League finalist.

He is considered to be a contender for the next Ballon d’Or, with former Three Lions star Shearer telling PA Sport why Bellingham is ready to lead a charge for glory at international level: “He could be the X-factor when you look at what he has achieved. His numbers at Real Madrid this season, his goals and assists, it is just not easy what he has done. When you think of going to the might of Real Madrid and playing in that stadium and the pressure you are under for someone so young, you have to use that as an advantage. There is no doubt playing for England in a Euros will not phase him in the slightest, you can tell how level-headed he is. He will play a huge part in what England do.”

Shearer believes that another golden generation of talent for England are capable of bringing a 58-year wait for major honours to a close in the men’s game, having fallen at the final hurdle in the last European Championship. The former frontman added: “I firmly believe that England should have as good a chance as we have ever had, especially with our front six players. We have a great chance of winning the tournament, definitely. It has been such a long time, they nearly got there last time at Wembley against Italy but lost on penalties. It is a chance for these boys to put their history and be iconic like the boys of ‘66 were. That is what is at stake for themselves so let’s hope they go out and do that. England have got to somehow find a way. If there is going to be a year, this should be it.”

England sit among the pre-tournament favourites at Euro 2024 and will open their bid for long-awaited success when facing Serbia on June 16 – before going on to tackle Denmark and Slovenia in their other Group C fixtures.