Watkins calls Bellingham a 'complete midfielder' and backs him to shine at World Cup

Ollie Watkins has come to the defence of Jude Bellingham ahead of the 2025 World Cup in North America, calling the Real Madrid star a ‘complete midfielder’ and predicting he will replicate the form that made him England’s standout player at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Bellingham endured a difficult club season, with Real Madrid failing to win a single trophy and sacking two managers. But Watkins, speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, insisted those struggles should not cloud expectations of what Bellingham can deliver for Thomas Tuchel’s England side this summer.

“His super strength is, I think, he’s an all-round complete midfielder,” Watkins said. “I think that he can do everything, and I think his physical capability as well. Getting around the pitch, he always wants the ball. I think he can run a game, and I think his confidence and belief in himself — I think that’s one thing that probably takes him to the next level.”

Bellingham has attracted criticism throughout his career for his conduct towards referees and his body language during matches, with some reports suggesting he can be an intimidating presence even among his own international teammates. Watkins pushed back firmly on that characterisation.

“To be fair, whenever I’ve played with him, I think I’ve looked around and thought, you would feel like he’s a 28, 30-year-old guy,” Watkins said. “The way he handles himself, and the way he carries himself. On the pitch, he’s throwing his arms around — not like moaning, but to get the crowd going. And I think he gives off a feeling that you should always believe and keep pushing.”

Watkins added that Bellingham’s willingness to shoulder responsibility is an asset rather than a liability from a teammate’s perspective. “I think he likes that responsibility and takes it on his shoulders. And as a team-mate, it’s good to see players that do that.”

England will enter the World Cup in North America as one of the tournament favourites under Tuchel, and Bellingham — still only 22 — is widely expected to be central to their ambitions. Watkins’ endorsement underlines the confidence within the squad that their club-season form will not define what they can achieve on the international stage.