- Jude Bellingham took a positive view of England’s newcomers and fringe men
- He admitted the injury crisis is ‘really difficult’ but sees hope with new players
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Jude Bellingham rescued blundering England from the ignominy of a second consecutive loss with a last-gasp equaliser at Wembley.
The Real Madrid star scored with virtually the final kick of the game as England, who lost to Brazil on Saturday, clinched a late draw against Belgium.
But England’s performance was marred by two costly errors from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and defender Lewis Dunk, both of which led to Youri Tielemans firing Belgium ahead.
Speaking after the game, England’s saviour Bellingham said: ‘I know the rubbish we would have got if we had lost two games on the bounce.
‘You have to keep perspective in mind with these games, there’s a lot of lads making debuts, a lot of those boys I have played with before.
Jude Bellingham hailed England’s newcomers as Kobbie Mainoo and Ivan Toney impressed
Kobbie Mainoo won Player of the Match for a dazzling performance in midfield for England
Gareth Southgate was full of praise for Mainoo and also hailed Bellingham’s contribution
‘We created a lot of chances, I had one where I should have scored and a couple of other shots at goal, I’m happy I can make it up to the team but we really should be winning with all the chances we made.
‘But these two games will stand us in good stead heading into the Euros.
‘I know everyone will be negative about it, but you have to take these games for what they are and use the positives and learn from the negatives.’
Bellingham praised the debutants, including Mainoo. ‘I’m sure the manager’s glad with the players that you got to see because they came in and they were brilliant,’ he said.
‘So yeah, over the two games, I’m pleased with my teammates, of course, never happy to lose and draw but we’ve got to be pleased with how some of them played.
‘We trust everyone that comes into the squad. They’re all in the squad for a reason because they’re good players so we trust everyone that comes in.’
On Bellingham’s contribution, England boss Gareth Southgate said: ‘Jude is the headline tonight, that competitive spirit, desire not to lose, to win in the end was deceive in getting the late goal.
‘But the whole team showed that and recovered from setbacks. I was very pleased with what I saw tonight.’
Kobbie Mainoo, Ivan Toney – who scored England’s first – and Ezri Konsa all made their full England debut on Tuesday.
Ivan Toney converted an early penalty and was a threat throughout against Belgium
Manchester United teenager Mainoo was particularly impressive and Southgate added: ‘Kobbie from a creative aspect gave us something different.
‘His attributes are there for everybody to see, to receive under pressure, ride challenges manipulate the ball in tight areas. We are very happy with what he’s done – you can’t believe how young he is.’
However, England’s night arrived at a cost after Stones limped off with a groin injury after 10 minutes, which could leave him as a doubt for Manchester City’s title clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
But Southgate is adamant it wasn’t a risk to start Stones in both games, adding: ‘It wasn’t a risk playing him in the two matches. We are disappointed if he was got a problem – but its not an overload problem. I hate sending players to their clubs if they are not fully fit.’
On his debut, Toney added: ‘Very special to get on the scoresheet. We would’ve gone in on a little downer if we had lost the game but thankfully Jude got the goal and I felt we deserved something.’
