Jude Bellingham will miss England’s next match against Belgium on Tuesday, March 28, but it is not due to injury. The Real Madrid midfielder is being rested as part of a rotation policy implemented by England manager Gareth Southgate.
Bellingham has played a lot of minutes this season for both Borussia Dortmund and England. Southgate, aware of the risk of the player suffering physical and mental fatigue, has opted to give him a rest for this match.
James Maddison, the Leicester City player, is the leading candidate to replace Bellingham in the starting line-up. Maddison has already started for England in the past and has shown himself to be a player capable of providing creativity and quality to the game.
READ MORE: Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham suffers ankle sprain
Real Madrid will be happy that Bellingham is not playing this match. The Spanish club have a very demanding schedule in the coming weeks, with matches against Athletic Bilbao, Manchester City and Barcelona. Carlo Ancelotti wants Bellingham to be fresh and rested for these important matches.
Bellingham has become a key player for Real Madrid since joining the club last summer. His talent, energy and ability to adapt to different positions have made him an indispensable player for Ancelotti.
Bellingham is expected to return to Real Madrid on Wednesday. From then on, he is expected to gradually integrate into the team’s training and be available for the match against Athletic Bilbao.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings