Fabio Capello believes ‘super player’ Jude Bellingham can help lead England to UEFA Euro 2024 glory this summer.
Former England manager Capello was at the Bernabeu on Sunday to watch Jude Bellingham score a stoppage-time winner as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3-2.
The 20-year-old midfielder has made an incredible impact at Real Madrid since joining from Borussia Dortmund last summer, scoring his 21st goal of the season in an excellent El Clasico.
“Only super players can play like him at this age – (Lionel) Messi and some others,” Capello said at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.
“It was an incredible performance to see in an important game like El Clasico because he was very good in every part of the pitch.
He ran back and covered the ball. The fans understand that a lot. “As fans, they know this player wants to win. He runs and fights.”
Fabio Capello, who managed England between 2008 and 2012, has tipped the Three Lions to end their 58-year wait for a major trophy in Germany this summer.
The Italian believes Gareth Southgate’s side have the best attack at the tournament, although he admits concerns about the defense and goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Capello asked who he thinks will win the Euros, “I like England.
“Their midfielders and forwards are the best – Bellingham, (Harry) Kane, (Bukayo) Saka.
“The right and left back are good, but I have some doubts about the central defenders and the goalkeeper. It’s not the same level as other parts of the team.
“Sometimes a goalkeeper is really, really good, but I saw the game they lost against Italy, the (Euro 2020) final at Wembley.
“After 20 minutes, he started shooting a long ball. Is it fear? For defenders, when you have a really good goalkeeper, it’s a different matter. Confidence.”
Ambassador Laureus Capello added: “I liked the last game they played (against Belgium) – the fight, the pressure.
“The problem is that when they come to win at this point, they sometimes play with fear.
:: The 25th edition of the Laureus World Sports Awards takes place in Madrid on Monday evening. To learn more and watch the ceremony, visit www.laureus.com
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