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Liverpool and Real Madrid target Jude Bellingham has admitted that becoming England captain is his biggest dream.
Bellingham, 19, became the youngest captain in Bundesliga history this season. He also became the youngest captain to score in the UEFA Champions League.
However, the English midfielder's biggest desire is to wear the armband for the Three Lions. Speaking after England's 2-0 win over Ukraine at the Wembley on Sunday (March 27), he said:
“That would be the biggest dream and the biggest honour in football, I think, is to captain your country."
Bellingham may have to wait his turn, as Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire and Declan Rice are seemingly ahead of him in the captaincy order. The teenager understands that and is willing to wait:
“There's a long pecking order, that I highly respect, and I'll wait my turn. In the meantime, it's picking up what I can learn from (more senior players). This is the best place to do it.”
The Dortmund midfielder was at his best yet again as Gareth Southgate's side cruised to a 2-0 victory over Ukraine. Kane scored yet again, and Bukayo Saka hit a superb strike as England remained perfect in Group C of their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying group. They managed an impressive 2-1 away win over Italy for the first time since 1961 in their opener.
Bellingham will now turn his attention to club football, and as we head towards the summer, the race is on for his signature. Liverpool and Real Madrid are touted as the frontrunners to lure him away from Signal Iduna Park. However, Manchester City and Manchester United are also keen on one of Europe's hottest commodity.
Liverpool join Real Madrid in Josko Gvardiol pursuit
Gvardiol, 21, is another Bundesliga player on both Real Madrid and Liverpool's radar. The Croatian has been in excellent form for both club and country this season. He was one of the standout defenders at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with Croatia, putting in consistent performances for Vatreni, who finished third.
Meanwhile, he has been shining for Leipzig this term, featuring 32 times across competitions, scoring three goals and helping his side keep 11 clean sheets. According to Football Insider, Jurgen Klopp's Reds have a concrete interest in Gvardiol.
However, they could be rivaled yet again by Real Madrid, Manchester United and Manchester City to his signature. Klopp is looking to bolster his defensive options as his side have endured a shaky season at the back. They have conceded 29 goals in 26 league games. They conceded six goals across two legs as they bowed out of the Champions League to Los Blancos 6-2 on aggregate.
Gvardiol will reportedly have a £97 million release clause become active in his contract in 2024. So the upcoming summer may be an opportune time for Liverpool to launch a swoop for the Croatian.
