Jude Bellingham has opened up on the constant support he has received from fellow England icons David Beckham and Ian Wright.
Since his breakthrough into the Three Lions' setup, Bellingham has transformed into one of England's key players.
He scored seven goals at the 2026 World Cup as Thomas Tuchel's side finished third, the most ever by an England player at a single edition of the tournament.
Bellingham has scored 14 goals in 60 caps, though the 23-year-old has at times come in for criticism from the media, while he also butted heads with Tuchel last season.
There were suggestions in the build-up to the World Cup that Bellingham's place in the lineup should be at risk, though he silenced his doubters with some talismanic performances, including scoring twice in a memorable win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
And Bellingham is grateful for the support of Wright and former England captain Beckham.
"I feel mature in a football context because I've played nearly 400 games, but in a life context I don't feel that mature now, to be honest," Bellingham told British Vogue.
"Sometimes it's not the message, but it's the messenger that makes it more valuable. You've got someone on your side who knows what the score is."
Building the intensity https://t.co/VRAcurccH4
— England (@England) November 11, 2026
Wright has publicly defended Bellingham, and the Real Madrid star said: "I always get really nervous when he messages me.
"I always think, 'What have they said about me now?' I always see him at the England games and will give him a hug or blow him a kiss."
Bellingham's younger brother, Jobe, has been named in the England squad for the upcoming Nations League clashes with Croatia and Spain.
Should Jobe feature while his elder sibling is on the pitch, they will become the first pair of brothers to feature for England together since 2007 (Gary and Phil Neville).
They will become the 22nd brothers to play for England overall.
Croatia are England's opponents at Wembley on Thursday, with Harry Kane set to win his record-breaking 126th cap for the Three Lions, who then visit Spain on Sunday.