"Has been one of the best players in the world this year" – Jose Enrique says England star will win Ballon d'Or if team win Euro 2024

Ex-Liverpool ace Jose Enrique has claimed that Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham would lift the Ballon d'Or award should he guide England to glory at the UEFA Euro 2024.

Bellingham, 20, has popped up as one of the favorites to win the Ballon d'Or honor this year following his performances for Real Madrid. He helped his club win three trophies in the 2023-24 campaign, registering 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games across competitions.

Speaking to British betting platform Grosvenor Sport, Enrique backed Bellingham to lift his maiden Ballon d'Or award. He said (h/t DAZN):

"Jude Bellingham will win the Ballon d'Or if England win the Euros. That will be a huge motivator for him. I cannot see anybody beating him to it if he wins the Euros because he won the Champions League and has been one of the best players in the world this year. If England can win the Euros, then he would be fully deserving of the award."

Sharing his thoughts on the star's Euro 2024 outings, Enrique added:

"Bellingham and Phil Foden are the players who were expected to turn up and do well, but they aren't having the best tournament. However, when it comes to an important game, these guys will turn up. They have too much quality not to, but I don't think the style of play is helping."

Bellingham, who made his international debut in 2020, has started all three of The Three Lions' Euro 2024 matches. He scored in his side's 1-0 Group C win against Serbia in the first week of the tournament.

Jose Enrique offers prediction for upcoming England vs Slovakia contest at Euro 2024

During a chat with Grosvenor Sport, Jose Enrique backed England to register a 3-0 win over Slovakia in their UEFA Euro 2024 last-16 encounter this Sunday (June 30). He said:

"Anything could happen in their game against Slovakia given how they have played so far. I do think they will leave their group-stage form behind and turn up against Slovakia. I'll think they'll win the game 3-0 and make a real statement."

England, who failed to defeat Italy in the Euro 2020 final, finished atop Group C of the Euro 2024 with five points from three games. They opened their campaign with a win against Serbia before recording a 1-1 draw against Denmark and a 0-0 draw against Slovenia.

Slovakia, on the other hand, finished third in Group E with four points after playing out a 1-1 draw against Romania earlier on Wednesday.