Top News

Jude Bellingham has said that England might need to adapt their playing style at the upcoming World Cup due to the intense heat and pitch conditions.

England secured a 1-0 victory over New Zealand in a friendly match held a week before the tournament, thanks to a goal from Harry Kane. However, Bellingham commented after the game that the team might need to reassess their tactical approach ahead of the main event.

Speaking to ITV, the midfielder explained, “I think we will need to manage games smartly at certain times. We want to play our usual high-energy, pressing football, but it’s going to be tough in the heat and on these pitches.”

He added, “We adjusted well in both halves. Every player worked hard to achieve what we wanted from this match before the tournament begins. We’re happy with the effort.”

Kane, who scored just before half-time, mentioned that the primary aim of the match was to get accustomed to the conditions they will face once the tournament starts for England on June 17 against Croatia.

“It was a good win,” Kane said. “The heat is exactly why we’re here — to prepare for the tournament. The pitch wasn’t ideal, to be honest; it was quite tough to play our natural game. But that’s what these matches are for — to adapt.”

He further added, “We faced a team that defended deep with a solid low block. We could have scored a couple more, but we’ll take the win. The focus here is more on preparation than the final result.”