England midfielder Jude Bellingham provided detailed analysis of the team's psychological state ahead of the 2026 World Cup, citing serious issues with group dynamics at Euro 2024, where England lost the final to Spain.
"At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch," Bellingham said on England's Lions' Den show. "The group didn't connect as well as it could have for several reasons. Expectation was a major factor — we performed well in 2018 and at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, so we were seen as one of two or three title favorites. We weren't playing particularly well, so even when winning, there wasn't the real joy you should feel."
Bellingham believes every player must "feel loved" in the team and understand their importance to collective success, regardless of whether they score in the final. The Real Madrid forward stressed that players must be ready for the World Cup final winner to come from an unexpected source, so everyone must always be prepared. Enjoying football is paramount, he added. Aston Villa teammate Morgan Rogers shares this view. England has not won the World Cup since 1966.
Improved psychological atmosphere could support higher goal-scoring rates in the group stage. If England plays with less pressure than at Euro 2024, this may translate to increased goal totals in early matches and influence betting on group-stage winners.