PERHAPS ‘Hey Jude’ would have been too obvious — especially for such a trend-setter who forges his own path and follows no one else’s.
But when Jude Bellingham was asked to pick his all-time favourite song, he gave an answer few people would have guessed.
Relaxing on the FA’s Lions’ Den show, the Real Madrid talisman replied: “I like Elvis. I like a song called ‘Love Me’ by Elvis.”
When close mate Trent Alexander-Arnold looked baffled sitting alongside him, Bellingham, cool as you like, added: “Do you not know that one? Get on it!”
‘Love Me’ was released in 1956, not far short of half a century before 20-year-old Bellingham was born.
It is one of the King’s lesser-known tracks, not to be confused with smash-hit Love Me Tender.
But do not be surprised if the song’s UK downloads go through the roof after the prince of this Three Lions squad singled it out.
It was one of the intriguing revelations prised out of Bellingham — a man who dominates column inches but we rarely hear from — in the informal setting at England’s Blankenhain base camp yesterday.
Among the back-story titbits extracted from young fans’ questions, many read out by presenter and former Love Islander Josh Denzel, was that Bellingham shone at English when at school.
The Stourbridge-born superstar explained: “Outside the obvious, like PE, I did really well in English Language. Talking, stuff like that.
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“I did really well in my exams in that. That was probably my favourite.
“I was similar in school, cheeky, loud, looked after people and stuff.
“I always felt that if I didn’t do well in school, my parents wouldn’t let me play football so that was enough motivation.
“If I couldn’t play football then I would be in a bit of a weird place.”
Continuing with the drama theme, he said he would like Denzel Washington to play him if ever a movie was made about his life, but admitted the 69-year-old Hollywood icon would need a fair bit of make-up.
One amusing moment saw Denzel — the Lions’ Den presenter, not the actor — inadvertently rib Bellingham about first club Birmingham retiring his No 22 shirt, despite selling him to Borussia Dortmund aged just 17.
JUDE BELLINGHAM delivered a masterful, super-hero performance in the opening 45 minutes at Euro 2024, writes Charlie Wyett.
Yet we have not seen much from the boy wonder since.
Maybe he left his cloak in the dressing room at Gelsenkirchen and is still looking for it.
But he needs to discover in time for the last 16 tie this weekend otherwise England are knackered.
Approaching the serious part of Euro 2024, this team really does need to get a grip and start showing some personality.
At times against Slovenia, Bellingham just looked lost.
Let’s hope he can sprinkle some stardust in the knockout stages because Gareth Southgate certainly needs something.
Bellingham should come good. This could still be HIS tournament.
Read Charlie Wyett’s England vs Slovenia verdict in full.
Or check out all of Charlie’s Euro 2024 stories.
The midfielder replied: “I don’t think I will ever live that down, will I?”
Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold were also asked which profession they wish they could do if they could not be a footballer.
The Madrid megastar’s American Football-themed reply — citing NFL superstars Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady — summed up how he loves to be the main man.
Bellingham said: “I would love to be a quarter-back.
“I like the idea of having to fling the ball around.
“It looks like a lot of fun, a lot of pressure, but I know Mahomes, Brady, are so creative how they can get with the plays.
“Obviously I wouldn’t like getting hit so that would be the only downside.”
Liverpool right-back Alexander- Arnold also went for a sports-related job by picking a tennis player.
The 25-year-old explained: “I’m used to playing a team sport. But with tennis, although there’s a team behind the team, it’s on you.
“As with boxing, it’s all down to you. If you perform on the court, it’s down to you, if you don’t and you’re out, that’s on you.
“I like that pressure. I’d like to feel what that would be like. I think about that a lot.”
Manager: Eddie Howe-nd Dog
Joe Hartbreak Hotel, (You’re Phil) Neville in Disguise, It’s Now or (Patrice) Evra, Are You Lonesome Zat Knight, Fitz Hall Shook Up, Flynn Way Downes, Peter Ndlovu Me Tender, Brian Little Less Conversation, In the Neto, Adam Good Luck ChArmstrong, Jailhouse Roque Santa Cruise
Bellingham insisted he and Alexander-Arnold were not quite as “inseparable” as had been suggested, though the pair do get on very well.
He then proved to be surprisingly poor at the pool-themed game called ‘What A Clearance’ that ends each Lions’ Den episode, in which the two squad-members being interviewed have to pot as many balls as they can in 40 seconds.
Yet it did nothing to diminish Bellingham’s ultra cool persona.
Not many 20-year-olds in football would have the charisma to carry off picking an Elvis tune from the 50s as their go-to song, but then that is the wonder of you, Jude.
