England are placing renewed emphasis on squad unity as they begin their quest to win a first FIFA World Cup title in six decades, with midfielder Jude Bellingham saying lessons have been learned from the team’s disappointing end to Euro 2024.
The Three Lions, who are among the favourites for the 2026 World Cup, will open their Group L campaign against Croatia next Wednesday before facing Ghana in Arlington, Texas, on 23 June.
Despite reaching the final of Euro 2024, England were beaten by Spain, and Bellingham believes shortcomings away from the pitch contributed to the team’s inability to secure the trophy.
Speaking on England’s Lions’ Den programme, the Real Madrid midfielder reflected on the atmosphere within the squad during the European Championship and admitted the group did not function as closely as it should have.
“At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch,” Bellingham said on England’s Lions’ Den show.
The midfielder suggested a number of factors affected the mood around the camp, including the weight of expectation and performances that did not always meet the standards the players had hoped for.
“I don’t feel like the group connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons. Expectation was part of it, and we were not playing particularly well, so even when we were winning you didn’t get the feeling you were as happy as you should be.”
England nevertheless progressed all the way to the final, but the defeat to Spain left players with valuable lessons that they are now seeking to apply during their World Cup campaign.
Bellingham said creating an environment where every player feels important will be crucial if England are to challenge for the title.
“I think this time round, having those experiences, everyone’s got to feel loved and feel a huge part of the team. The other thing is just to enjoy it.”
His comments underline a broader effort within the England camp to strengthen relationships and ensure that all members of the squad feel included regardless of their background or club affiliations.
Forward Morgan Rogers believes those improvements have already been made and says the current group is enjoying a stronger sense of togetherness.
“We are really aligned and it is really easy and seamless for anyone to fit in the group,” the Aston Villa forward said.
Rogers added that differences in age, club or personal background have not affected the atmosphere within the camp.
“Wherever you are from, wherever you play, ages, it doesn’t matter in this group. It is a joy to be here.”
England’s focus on unity comes as they prepare for a challenging Group L campaign that includes Croatia and Ghana. The meeting with the Black Stars is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches in the section, with both teams aiming to make a strong start to their World Cup ambitions.
For England, the objective is clear. After coming close at Euro 2024, they are hoping that a stronger bond within the squad can provide the foundation for a successful tournament and help end a 60-year wait for World Cup glory.
