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Journalist: Jude Bellingham will be key for England at Qatar World Cup
We’re delighted to welcome freelance journalist Alex Barker, also known as Euro Expert, who has worked for Breaking The Lines, GFFN and more, as our exclusive columnist. Each week he will be giving his views on the biggest talking points on Wonderkids across the UK…
Jude Bellingham is set to be a key player for Gareth Southgate and England at the 2022 Qatar World Cup as he looks set to start against Iran, says Alex Barker.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been a key player for the Bundesliga giants this season and is heading to his second international tournament despite being just 19.
Many are expecting him to start in the heart of Southgate’s midfield alongside Declan Rice and Barker feels as though he could bring leadership to the side and could be key regardless of which formation the manager goes with.
“I think it is a big tournament for him,” he told The Football Wonderkids.
“This whole season at Dortmund he’s shown that he’s taken on the leadership qualities. For better or for worse for Dortmund he’s become one of their most important players, so I know, I don’t think Southgate is expecting to take Jude Bellingham as a youngster to get experience at a big tournament. He did that already at the Euro’s.
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“I think Bellingham is coming to this tournament to be a proper starter for the team, and provide the sort of progression and some genuine leadership from such a young age, in quite an important area of the pitch for England.
“Whether they play a 4-2-3-1 or a three at the back, I have quite high hopes for Bellingham. I hope he gets a lot of minutes and impresses well.”
England will face Iran in their opening World Cup group stage game on Monday (21 November), before facing off with USA (25 November) and Wales (29 November).
In other England news, Juventus youngster tipped to make future England squads after impressive performances