World Cup 2026: Why Bellingham Has Been Underappreciated in England – Parker

Former Fulham manager Scott Parker has said that Jude Bellingham is being severely underappreciated in England.

Bellingham has previously described himself as a “scapegoat” after England’s loss in the Euro 2024 final.

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The debate over Bellingham’s place in the England squad continues, with some calling for players such as Morgan Rogers to take the number 10 role.

In a conversation with The Telegraph, Parker noted that Bellingham’s tactical intelligence and outstanding defensive work when his team is out of possession are largely ignored by the English public and media, possibly because he plays in Spain rather than the Premier League.

“Talent does not shine without hard work and Bellingham works hard. When I look at him from a coach’s perspective, I see a young man with all the gifts but, most importantly, I see someone who is exceptional out of possession. He is so tactically astute and understands how to cover spaces,” Parker said.

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“It is a feature of his game that never gets discussed. It is not appreciated. Maybe it is down to him not being in the Premier League, his career following a different (but hugely successful) route from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid.”

“Is he regarded by some, simply, as an England player, first and foremost? Maybe. What that does not factor in is the exceptional job he does in Madrid, and I do sometimes wonder whether there is a genuine appreciation of what Bellingham brings to this England team.”