England midfielder Jude Bellingham has emphasized the importance of players feeling valued within the squad as they prepare for their World Cup 2026 campaign. Speaking on England's Lions' Den show, Bellingham reflected on lessons learned from Euro 2024, where the team reached the final but lost to Spain. He suggested that internal disconnect contributed to their underwhelming performances despite reaching the final.

Bellingham admitted the group struggled to connect properly during the European Championship, partly due to heightened expectations following strong showings in 2018 and Qatar 2022. The Real Madrid midfielder felt the weight of pressure affected team morale, with victories not bringing the expected joy. He noted that success can evaporate quickly in football, making it essential to cherish positive moments.

England's tournament begins next Wednesday against Croatia in Arlington, Texas, after the opening matches saw Mexico defeat South Africa 2-0. Bellingham believes the squad's experiences from previous tournaments will help them approach this World Cup differently. He stressed that every player must feel integral to the team's success, regardless of their perceived importance.

The midfielder's comments reveal a more unified team culture under new management compared to the final months of Southgate's tenure. This psychological shift could prove decisive in North America, where England will need collective spirit to navigate the challenges of a continent-spanning tournament.