Featured Image Credit: BBC Sport
Topics: Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Jude Bellingham, BBC, Football, Sport
Jess Battison
Topics: Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Jude Bellingham, BBC, Football, Sport
England fans have a very interesting theory about how Jude Bellingham 'knew he wasn't going to be subbed off'.
There was a bit of commotion earlier in tonight's (6 July) Euro 2024 quarter-final match against Switzerland when Gareth Southgate decided to make his first changes.
It wasn't until Breel Embolo put one in for the opposition that the boss decided to bring on some subs for the Three Lions. But as the numbers flicked up on the fourth official's board, there was some confusion in the 78th minute.
Kobbie Mainoo, Kieran Trippier and Ezri Konsa were all heading off to be replaced by Eberechi Eze, Luke Shaw and Cole Palmer.
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And yet the substitution board showed Bellingham's number, 10.
The 21-year-old striker, however, was reluctant to leave the pitch and questioned what was going on. The lad was in total disbelief, even having words with the referee as BBC viewers watched on in confusion.
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He seemed to be pretty certain that he wasn't going anywhere with fans and commentators sharing just why they think this is.
Carl Anka of The Athletic suggested on X that it's down to the way Southgate uses substitutions.
He speculated the boss pre-plans his changes way before kick-off, rather than reacting to the live play.
The post reads: "Bellingham knowing that he wasn't getting subbed off - without looking at the board - reinforces the idea Southgate pre-plans his subs before a ball has been kicked, rather than working on game momentum."
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Fans also echoed: "Just thought, Bellingham literally knew he wasn't going off which means Southgate must plan his subs ahead regardless of how we're playing!"
Whereas some others did opt with the slightly more fun idea that Bellingham was actually supposed to be taken off but the star just 'doesn't feel like coming off right now'.
As another joked: "Bro took one look at at Gareth and used Jedi mind tricks to make him change his subs."
And someone else said: "Gave a Ronaldo like energy there, like ME? I CAN'T BE SUBBED. I AM THE KING."
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One however slammed: Either Southgate pre plans all his subs or Bellingham pulled rank and decided he wasn’t going off. Either way, it looks weak from Southgate."
Either way, it was a good job Bellingham stayed on as the player went on to put in a penalty leading to England's big quarter-final win. Semi's here we come!