Jude Bellingham believes the free role he was afforded during England’s win over Scotland helped him translate his stunning Real Madrid form to the international stage.
The 20-year-old was the standout player as Gareth Southgate’s side put a disappointing draw with Ukraine behind them to beat their fierce rivals 3-1 at Hampden Park on Tuesday night.
Bellingham, who operated in a wider position on Saturday, was moved into a more central position behind Harry Kane in Glasgow and underlined his growing status as England’s most eye-catching player.
The Madrid star – who has already scored five goals at club level since a move from Borussia Dortmund – scored one and assisted another on a brilliant evening for Southgate’s forwards.
Speaking to Channel 4, Bellingham said: “I wasn’t happy with how I played against Ukraine, it wasn’t anywhere near my best and the motivation is always to get back to your best. I got somewhere close tonight.
"It’s just a freedom role really. I get given the freedom by the amazing teammates and manager that I have [at Real Madrid].
"I know it depends on the system we play, and we’ve got so many amazing players to accommodate, and so the team comes first always. I really enjoyed playing in that [same] position today.”
