Rio Ferdinand considers Real Madrid midfielder’s ‘freedom’ key in England winning Euros | OneFootball

Injuries have plagued Real Madrid’s season, yet numerous players have risen admirably to the occasion to navigate through the crisis.

Among these standout performers, Jude Bellingham has arguably been head and shoulders above the rest, with the Englishman seamlessly adapting to the Spanish Capital.

Owing to his heroics with the Merengues thus far, he is expected to have a prominent role with the England national team in the Euros this summer.

Ferdinand argues Bellingham’s wings must not be clipped

If Bellingham can replicate his performances from Real Madrid on the international stage, England could finally lay their past woes to rest once and for all.

But it will largely come down to the context he is obliged to play in, as Rio Ferdinand believes Bellingham being offered freedom in midfield will determine England’s prospects of winning the tournament.

“I’d play Declan Rice holding and I’d say to Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, ‘Work it out you two, just go and do your thing, and win us the Euros.’

“They win us the Euros if them two are allowed to have a bit of free rein in there, if we do that we win,” he claimed on talkSPORT.

At Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti has positioned Bellingham in an advanced role, affording him considerable freedom to drop deep and exhibit his skills in the attacking third.

Ferdinand is convinced that granting Bellingham a similar ‘free role’ with the England squad will be crucial.

‘Let them loose’

Phil Foden, who recently scored a scorcher against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals was also brought up.

Comparing the Manchester City man to Bellingham, Ferdinand once again emphasized handing them the liberty to influence games: “They’re two great players who you let and just go and have a little bit of free rein and let them loose.“

The positions the England midfielders occupy remain to be seen, but Bellingham’s name in the starting XI will hardly be in doubt.

“You’ve got enough around them players to be able to supply others, score goals and be match-winners,” Ferdinand concluded.