ENGLAND should be ‘pinching themselves’ at having Jude Bellingham to spearhead the charge for Euros glory.
The Champions League-winning midfielder can also handle the hype as our biggest star — says his Real Madrid team-mate Toni Kroos.
Pressure on Bellingham’s young shoulders has gone through the roof after poor performances in the last two warm-up games — which he missed.
Kroos said: “I have been privileged to play alongside Jude Bellingham for the last 12 months and you have to pinch yourself that he is only 20. Off the pitch he is even more mature.
“There are not many players like this around — it’s a compliment to him that so many English hopes rest on him.
Mirror Football's Premier League team of 2022 as champions dominate
“At Real Madrid in the last few weeks, he turned out to be a decisive player.
“But even from the start I didn’t think he had any problems withstanding all the expectations.”
England lost 1-0 to Iceland on Friday and now have just days to get it right before their opening Group C game against Serbia on Sunday.
Bellingham has been rested after winning the European crown with Madrid on June 1.
He will be at the heart of England’s campaign and his return will lift the team after sluggish displays.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Kroos said: “Jude Bellingham is a very physical guy with the overall package he has to offer.
“He is also the kind of player who can withstand pressure. He has the right personality.
“He seems to be the right kind of lad. He can play to the best of his ability.
“I hope he will be a decisive player for England.”
Arsenal have Felix transfer advantage in three-way race amid major Saka boost
Bellingham is a huge admirer of experienced Kroos and complained that only one season together in Spain was not enough.
The hugely decorated midfielder is retiring after this summer’s tournament and is also under pressure to deliver for his country.
Germany have not won a knockout match for eight years and need a successful start to win over home fans.
And 109-cap Kroos, coming out of international retirement for the competition, could not resist a joke at his own country when talking about his kids, who will be watching Friday’s opener against Scotland.
Kroos, 34, said: “They are used to success.
“That means they have not seen much of the national team in the last few years!
“They expect us to win the title. They won’t accept anything else.
“Generally, pressure is on at every tournament but, this being a home tournament, you get direct feedback at your front door — negatively and positively speaking.
“We feel a major responsibility. We know what is at stake — but it is not just a burden, it’s an honour.”
