Everyone needs to feel loved playing for England - Bellingham

Jude Bellingham scored once for England at Euro 2024 England midfielder Jude Bellingham has stressed the importance of needing to "feel loved" as he looks to help them enjoy World Cup success this summer. The tournament in North America got under way on Thursday as Mexico - hosts alongside USA and Canada - beat South Africa 2-0. England's tournament does not get under way until next Wednesday, when they take on Croatia in Arlington, Texas. Bellingham was part of the England squad that reached the final of Euro 2024, where they were beaten by Spain. However, the national team - then managed - were often accused of playing poorly in that tournament, with Bellingham saying previously he felt like a bit of a scapegoat for England's failure to win that tournament. Bellingham admitted something felt that the group were "not quite connected" during the Euros but has stressed there is a different feel around the camp now. "At the Euros we got some things a little bit wrong off the pitch," he said on England's Lions' Den show. "I don't feel like the group connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons. The other thing is just to enjoy it." Bellingham has fight to start for England - Tuchel Players organise England team-bonding dinner in Miami Bellingham's England team-mate Morgan Rogers reiterated the togetherness of this current group. The Three Lions are looking to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966 and will be hoping the strength of unity will help them to go one step further than they did at Euro 2024. Aston Villa forward Rogers could be competing with Bellingham for the number 10 position, and he said: "We are really aligned and it is really easy and seamless for anyone to fit in the group. "Wherever you are from, wherever you play, ages - it doesn't matter in this group. It is a joy to be here."