Liverpool legend suggests Jude Bellingham ban would be good news for England

Liverpool legend Dietmar Hamann has claimed that a potential suspension for Jude Bellingham could prove to be a positive for England despite the superstar's last-16 heroics at Euro 2024.

The 21-year-old midfielder's memorable overhead strike in the 95th minute of proceedings versus Slovakia spared Gareth Southgate's blushes, with the Three Lions avoiding defeat dramatic circumstances. Heading for what would have been a sobering 1-0 defeat versus the world's No. 45 ranked side, the Real Madrid prodigy's heroics forced extra time in Gelsenkirchen.

From there, the momentum swung England's way as captain Harry Kane provided what turned out to be the winner just a minute after the re-start. After victory was confirmed, Bellingham's celebration following his wonder strike did cause some controversy as he gestured towards the crowd - leading to an investigation being launched by UEFA.

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The youngster denied that his antics were aimed towards rival fans in the stadium, taking to Twitter/X to claim that his action was an 'inside joke towards some close friends who were at the game'. The former Borussia Dortmund ace could face a ban if he is found guilty of breaking tournament rules following UEFA's probe.

Reacting to the news that Bellingham may be reprimanded by tournament organizers, former Liverpool midfielder Hamann has posited that his potential absence could be a good thing for England. Speaking to BILD, the Champions League winner contended: "Gareth Southgate should have made the decision earlier to take out Bellingham or Phil Foden.

'Now he may be forced to be lucky if Bellingham is suspended. If he has to sit out, that might even be a blessing," he controversially asserted, as he put forward his case that England could improve without their star man, adding: "That might even help the team. Something has to happen."

After the Los Blancos sensation celebrated by mouthing the words 'who else?' towards supporters after his last-ditch strike to keep his country in the tournament, Hamann was also left unimpressed with his reaction. He said: "I don't like his behaviour.

Without your colleagues you are nothing - and if he then stands up and says that, then I would be interested to hear what his teammates say. Apart from his goals, he was not seen in the first four games. I would wait and see where he is in 2 or 3 years. We don't need to talk about the fact that he is a talented player, but some things have happened that you shouldn't do.'

Either way, Bellingham could not contain his delight after scoring one of the greatest goals in his nation's recent international history in the win in the last 16. Speaking after the dramatic win, he said: "It's a feeling that is like no other.

"In international football, in knockout football, it's even a worse feeling, because you're 30 seconds from going home, having to listen to all the rubbish, feeling like you have let a nation of people down. In one kick of the ball, everything can change. It's a feeling I don't like to have but when it's done, it feels great."