Former England striker Alan Shearer has hit out at calls to drop Jude Bellingham from the England XI for the Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland, according to Sportskeeda. Bellingham, who scored a stunning overhead kick to equalize against Slovakia in the Round of 16, has come under criticism from some pundits despite his heroics.
Shearer, who scored 30 goals for England during his playing career, has branded the calls to drop Bellingham as "ridiculous". "There is no way he should be dropped," Shearer said in an interview. "How can you drop him? It's ridiculous. Of course, he shouldn't be dropped, he's got to be in the team."
Shearer's comments come after Liverpool legend Didi Hamann suggested that Gareth Southgate should drop Bellingham and play Phil Foden as the No. 10 instead. Hamann had questioned Bellingham's work rate and consistency, but Shearer believes that the Real Madrid midfielder has proven himself time and again for England.
Bellingham has scored two important goals for England in the tournament so far, and Shearer believes that his creativity and passion are essential to the team's success. "He's got to be in the team," Shearer reiterated. "He's a game-changer, and England need him to progress in the tournament."
England will take on Switzerland in the quarter-finals on July 6, and Shearer's comments have added fuel to the debate over Bellingham's role in the team. While some pundits have questioned Bellingham's consistency, others believe that his talent and passion make him an essential player for England.