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Graeme Souness believes Jude Bellingham will captain England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. The 21-year-old midfielder was impressive for the Three Lions at the recently concluded Euro 2024, scoring twice and providing one assist in seven games.
Souness, who made 54 appearances and scored four goals for Scotland, believes the Real Madrid star has what it takes to wear the armband for his country. On William Hill's Three Up Front podcast alongside Troy Deeney, the former Liverpool midfielder said:
“In two years’ time Jude Bellingham will be the England captain – he will captain them at the World Cup in 2026.
“I think leaders in the modern game tend to hide. They don’t want to put themselves out there, be held accountable, or stand up and take the blame. The most recent example was at the Euros."
Graeme Souness concluded:
“When England were having a tough time with the media it was Bellingham – one of the youngest members of the group – who was up there talking to them on behalf of the team. He should’ve been one of the last ones to go up because it should’ve been the more senior players.”
England are currently captained by Harry Kane.
Souness, meanwhile, represented Liverpool in 358 appearances across all competitions, winning five English league titles and the UEFA Champions League thrice.
Graeme Souness blasts Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes
Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness launched a tirade against Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes. The former Red has often come down hard on players from his club's archrivals, with his tirades at Paul Pogba often going viral.
On William Hill's Three Up Front podcast alongside Troy Deeney, the former Scotland international said via The Sun:
"When you look at leaders in the modern game, one example is at Manchester United which is one of the biggest institutions in world football."
"The club captain is Bruno Fernandes. When they were 3-0 down against Liverpool a couple of seasons ago, he just threw the towel in… he's the captain! If anything, he should still be contributing, running around with enthusiasm and helping his teammates."
Graeme Souness concluded:
"I don't think Fernandes can change that aspect of himself – it's part of him. When he's shrugging his shoulders and throwing his arms around, that's just him."
Fernandes and Manchester United are keen to return to the top end of the Premier League table. They had a poor 2023-24 campaign last season that saw them finish eighth, their lowest ever finish.
