Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala are global stars.
Everyone in football is watching them at this tournament and asking: can they keep it up and become Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi?
5Jamal Musiala looked electric for Germany on Friday nightCredit: Getty
Jude Bellingham has stood out in Europe this season.Credit: Rex.
Even though Musiala is 21 and Bellingham is 20, their Euros performances are demonstrating their abilities.
They were friends who played together for England’s age-group teams till the Under-21s.
Fortunately, Musiala, who was born in Germany but spent most of his childhood in England, chose to play for the Germans.
A player like him selecting you is like winning the lottery.Don’t be greedy—Belingham is excellent.
I was astounded by his Sunday goal against Serbia.Bellingham is physically powerful.
After scoring the goal, he stated, ‘Even if I collide heads and get hurt, I don’t care.
He charged forth with bravery and confidence.
Bellingham and Musiala were youth England teammates. Jamal Musiala, 10 on Instagram, said “I believe in my bodily presence. No matter if a large center defender elbows me in the face.”
He added, “This is my ball, I’m going to score.” That mentality is crucial in tournaments, as it spreads to teammates.
Teammates will remark, “He went in there when it could have hurt—if there’s a 50-50 ball, I’ll smash it too.”
Jude Bellingham has amazing talent and physicality, which is rare. Teammates must protect talented players due to their physical weakness.
Bellingham doesn’t need to retreat while facing a tough opponent. His completeness is remarkable.
Bellingham is bigger than Bayern Munich standout Musiala, who is lighter and different. Both can mentally defeat opposing teams before the game even starts.
A team needs players who can score goals, earn assists, win penalties, and create something from nothing – like Bellingham and Musiala.
This mental edge you build makes opposition players look across at these warm-up players with trepidation. They can discuss closing them down, but can they do it for 90 minutes?
Jude Bellingham’s improvement since joining Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund last summer has been extraordinary. His teammates recognize his calmness in front of goal – they know he will score if given a chance.
Real’s players have the class, technique, and vision to put Bellingham in those scoring positions. It’s extraordinary for a young player to play so freely and joyfully at a major club in a country where he doesn’t speak the language.
Bellingham brings confidence to the England team, which has the talent to support him. A similar story is true for Jamal Musiala.
I watched Germany beat Scotland 5-1 in Munich. While the Scots had a poor day, I believe the German squad reconnected with the nation that night. It was vital for them to start the competition well.
The Scottish fans were loud, but after Germany went 2-0 up, they went quiet and only the German supporters could be heard.
Tomorrow, Germany faces Hungary, a dangerous underdog team that often causes them difficulty, and then they play England. Hungary are unexpected, physical, and good on the counterattack.
After Germany’s performance and win over Scotland, I’m more confident in them. Seeing Musiala and Florian Wirtz enjoy themselves in the forward areas and score early was great. Players like Wirtz, at 21, can play without thinking about tactics or pressure.
It mattered that Musiala chose Germany over England. International management involves recruiting in a global world where many young athletes have multiple citizenships.
During my six years as US head coach, we competed with Mexico for numerous teenagers who could have played for either country. My son Jonathan, a goalkeeper, played for the US Under-23 team. These young players often feel more drawn to the country they’ve spent more time in.
My son is more Californian than German, but now he’s moved to Cesena, Italy, and Germany may call him one day. Musiala may play in the Premier League and feel more English, but he’s already committed to Germany!
Bellingham and Musiala should keep shaping this competition. Major tournaments are rare opportunities to write history. I commend both youngsters for staying grounded and playing football despite the attention, which is difficult in the social media age.
England and Germany are footballing powerhouses with the same goal – to win the tournament. Perhaps we can meet in the final.
5Musiala bagged a goal in Germany’s opener against ScotlandCredit: Reuters
5Bellingham scored England’s only goal against Serbia on SundayCredit: Getty