The Albany Gazette - Whole England squad must feel 'loved' at World Cup: Bellingham

Gareth Southgate's men reached the final of the tournament in Germany, where they were beaten by Spain, but were unconvincing during their run.

Southgate's successor, Thomas Tuchel, has spoken of creating a "brotherhood" in the squad as he tries to win England's first World Cup since 1966.

Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham told England's Lions' Den show that things were "a little bit wrong off the pitch" at the Euros two years ago.

"I don't feel like the group connected as well as it could have for a number of reasons," he said.

Bellingham suggested heightened expectations were a factor after strong performances in previous tournaments.

"We were seen as one of the two or three teams that should win it," said the 22-year-old.

"We weren't playing particularly well, which doesn't help. So even when we were winning it felt like you don't get the feeling that we were as happy as we should be.

"Because there has to be that element of relentlessness and you want to win. But the nature of football and especially at this level is that wins go out the system very quickly and I think we should have held on to that moment a little bit more.

"And I think this time around having those experiences, knowing that for example the guy who scores the goal in the World Cup final isn't always the one that you'd bet your house on.

"So everyone's got to be ready, everyone's got to feel loved, everyone's got to feel like they're playing a huge part of the team."

England launch their bid for World Cup glory against Croatia next Wednesday in Arlington, Texas.

Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers, who could be competing with Bellingham for the number 10 position, underlined the unity in the squad in the United States.

"We're really together, we're really aligned and it's just really easy and seamless just to fit in with anyone in the group from wherever you're from, wherever you play, ages, that doesn't matter with our group," said the 23-year-old.

"We sit on one big table and we can have one big debate and everyone can get involved. That's kind of how it is and it's a joy to be here."

(O.Garcia--TAG)