Been there, done that: Rooney is worried Jude could snap just like him in 2006

It's quite challenging to be Jude Bellingham these days.

The Real Madrid star is expected to be not just a leader of the Three Lions squad at the European Championship but also a playmaker, goal scorer, and basically everything.

The first match against Serbia proved that he was capable of living up to those expectations, as he scored the winner and was the Man of the Match.

However, two following ties, against Denmark and Slovenia, ended in a disappointing draw for England, and Bellingham was definitely below par.

Jude 'Zero' Bellingham and Phil 'one dribble' Foden

Now, the pressure is extremely high, as the public demands and expects him to lead this star-studded side all the way to the title.

Almost the same thing happened to Wayne Rooney 18 years ago, as he was one of the key players in England at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

However, the pressure took its toll, with Rooney, then just 20, being sent off for a vicious tackle in the quarter-final tie against Portugal.

That's the reason the former Manchester United forward completely understands Bellingham now, and warns him and the entire public about the possible consequences.

"Jude starts the first game well, but I'm sure he'd tell you himself he hasn't had the best games in the last two," Rooney told the Football Daily podcast on Wednesday. "For me, he's looked very frustrated, I've been there, (in) exactly the position he's in, even the game yesterday (England's 0-0 draw with Slovenia) you saw him throwing his arms up in the air."

"As a talisman for England and Real Madrid, I haven't heard him in speak. What is the reason for that? As one of the iconic players in England's squad now, he should be fronting that.

"That tells me that he's probably not quite right in the tournament.

"He's giving it his all, 100%, I don't think that's the problem. You want players demanding more from their teammates, and I think that's what he was trying to do.

"So, it's not a criticism, it is a compliment in some ways but you just don't want that to boil over to the point where he might pick up a silly red card," concluded Rooney.

Bellingham and England are about to face Slovakia in the 1/8 finals on Sunday night.

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP - 1/8 FINALS

Saturday

19.00: (3.40) Switzerland (3.00) Italy (2.55)

22.00: (1.65) Germany (4.00) Denmark (6.10)

Sunday

19.00: (1.45) England (4.50) Slovakia (9.50)

22.00: (1.25) Spain (6.50) Georgia (15.0)

Monday

19.00: (1.95) France (3.40) Belgium (4.70)

22.00: (1.43) Portugal (4.75) Slovenia (9.10)

Tuesday

19.00: (8.25) Romania (4.30) Netherlands (1.50)

22.00: (1.95) Austria (3.50) Turkey (4.50)

***odds are subject to change***