Jude Bellingham has divided opinion between two of talkSPORT's most respected pundits following his latest press conference.
The Star spoke honestly about the pressure he faced while representing England and said the media scrutiny has taken a toll on both him and his family.
Although several months have passed since then, it is still something that has a significant impact on health 21 years old.
Bellingham posted a cryptic message on social media after the international break in November, saying he had “got his smile back”. .
Speaking to the media ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League game Bellingham explained: “I have to be honest that after the European Championships I often lost my smile because I felt like I was being mistreated a little compared to what I did.”
“I felt like some of it was a little hard on me. I felt like the scapegoat. Maybe I felt a little sorry for myself. The last England camp (a week ago) with lots of new faces really brought that out. “I'm enjoying my game again and I think you can see that in the two games.
READ MORE ABOUT JUDE BELLINGHAM
“In general, I haven't lost my smile in a Madrid jersey. I get annoyed when we lose and I get frustrated, but it's never a case of bad luck. I am the luckiest boy in the world. I can.” I play week in, week out for the biggest club in the world and represent my country. The smile is back.
He continued: “I understand that playing for Real Madrid, the expectations for me will be high wherever I go with the national team. I felt like I contributed to some pretty big moments and in the end it felt kind of whole.” After the European Championships, my world fell apart.
“One of the biggest criticisms of me was that I didn't talk to the media or didn't want to give press conferences. “This was reported in a way that gave the impression that I thought I was above it, but that's not the case at all.” I had some personal things to take care of.
“While I was at the tournament, journalists visited my family, visited my grandparents and I kept that to myself. I don't think that's fair. I think that crosses the line of respect.”
“That's when I took it a little more personally and decided to focus on football and try to let him speak instead of talking in the press to people who don't seem to respect me. This was the right thing for me.” Family comes first.
“My grandma didn’t want to leave her house all summer, God bless her. Maybe I should have shared this beforehand so people could understand my situation, but this was a bit more personal and that's why I decided to keep my mouth shut.”
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“Criticism is part of the game and I know how to accept it – but when it feels personal, continuing to silence people is a new challenge. It’s something I’ve been concerned with since I came into the Birmingham first team when I was very young.”
With six goals in 40 caps, Bellingham is undoubtedly one of England's biggest stars and a player the Three Lions will need if they are to thrive in the years to come.
Replying to his comments on talkSPORT, former Tottenham striker said: “It makes a lot of sense.
“I wouldn't say he was the scapegoat, but because we expected so much from him after the season he played for Real Madrid, I think maybe people expected more – he saw something for me tired.”
“When England needed a big moment, he was the man to make it happen and how important he is to this lineup.”
“When I talk about him following his grandparents' house, I completely agree when he says that family comes first because when you go to a player's family house, you cross a line there. “
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“If you don’t have permission, what are you trying to achieve by going there? That would bother me.”
“It doesn't matter if it's just one – I think once one of you crosses the line, I don't trust any of you anymore.”
“It's just a lack of respect to go there and then expect me to smile everywhere, it's just a lack of respect.”
However – England's starting right-back at the 2002 World Cup – was more critical, saying: “I don't particularly like it to be honest.”
“He just posted his own YouTube story and talked about everything that happened.
“He just didn’t play well at the European Championships. That’s probably why he lost his smile – the expectations are high and he hasn’t performed.”
“Of course he will be criticized for that.
“It just doesn't come across as great. After the celebration when he scored the goal, it was a bit like, 'It's all about me, aren't I great?', and I don't think it came across particularly well.”
“He didn’t give press conferences and didn’t want to talk to the media – how can you be an experienced player or a leader if you don’t do that?”
” does it every time, do it for the club and the country. So if you want to be that player and want everyone's praise, attention and sponsorships, you have to represent the other side. You can't have everything in one way.
In response, Bent explained: “I understand it and Millsy takes a few points, but Harry Kane is an experienced international with 100 caps.”
“Yes, Bellingham has played a lot of football, but he’s only 21 years old, he’s been thrust into the spotlight.”
