Jude Bellingham credits 'amazing' England team-mates for 'freedom' after scoring in friendly win over Scotland

Jude Bellingham praised his “amazing” team-mates as he relished the “freedom” he had as he scored in a 3-1 win over Scotland.

Phil Foden opened the scoring for the away side on 32 minutes before Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham made it 2-0 three minutes later.

Harry Maguire gave the home side a chance to get something out of the friendly with an own goal on 67 minutes, before Harry Kane added a late third for Gareth Southgate’s side with Bellingham getting the assist.

Bellingham has been one of Real’s best players this season since his big-money move from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, as the 20-year-old has five goals in just four appearances for his new side.

He continued that excellent goalscoring form against Scotland. Speaking after the game, he said he was looking for improvement after less impressive display against Ukraine.

He said: “I wasn’t happy with how I played in Poland against Ukraine. Tonight I was motivated to get back to my best, and I think that was close to it. It was more than a friendly – it means so much to the fans, for bragging rights and all those kinds of things, and I wanted the England fans to go home happy.”

Discussing the start to his Real Madrid career, and his goal against Scotland, he added: “If you look at my performances in Madrid so far, they’re quite complete because I’ve been given freedom by the amazing team-mates, coaching staff and manager that I’ve got.

“They allow me to go all over the pitch – to help in the build-up, to create and to get in the box to finish chances. I can do all of that pretty well. I can still do a lot better, and that’s what I’m trying to prove to you all.”

Bellingham was asked if playing higher up the pitch is his best position, and he concurred, saying: "I think today was close to it. It depends on the system we play. It’s tough because we’ve got so many amazing players to accommodate and get the best out of, so it shouldn’t be built around what I do really well.

“The team always comes first. I do my best to try to slot in and do what the gaffer wants from me. Tonight was probably a bit better suited than the weekend, but no hints to the gaffer! I really enjoyed playing in that position.”

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