All tagged jude bellingham

It's Not In Us: Anthony Gordon, Total Football and the Belief English Football Inherited

It's Not In Us: Anthony Gordon, Total Football and the Belief English Football Inherited

Kevin George
performance psychology

Kevin George, BACP registered therapist, former professional footballer (West Ham United, Charlton Athletic) and Amazon No.1 bestselling author of Soccology, responds to Barcelona and England forward Anthony Gordon's claim that Spain's possession style is "not in us." George argues the statement is a cultural limiting belief rather than a fixed trait. It was learned on English training grounds, where technically brave players were shamed with lines like "Who do you think you are, Zidane?"

Drawing on research from Soccology, he traces Total Football back to Mancunian Jack Reynolds. Reynolds played for Manchester City, managed Ajax between 1915 and 1947, and coached Rinus Michels, whose philosophy passed to Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola. Referencing Thomas Tuchel's "not in their DNA" comment and England's World Cup semi final defeat to Argentina, George contends that English football has rebranded fear as identity, relying on heart alone instead of heart, mind and technique together.

The article closes with practical guidance for coaches and parents on developing creative, technically brave players, alongside his football mental health services and links to buy Soccology.

When Greatness Looks Like a Problem: What Clarence Seedorf's Words About Jude Bellingham Tell Us About Boys, Ambition and Mental Health

When Greatness Looks Like a Problem: What Clarence Seedorf's Words About Jude Bellingham Tell Us About Boys, Ambition and Mental Health

Kevin George
performance psychology

Drawing on Clarence Seedorf's recent interview with Rio Ferdinand about Jude Bellingham, psychotherapist and Soccology author Kevin George explores the personality traits that define elite young performers, and the cultural double standards that criminalise those same traits in boys and young men. Written against the backdrop of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the article connects performance psychology with boys' mental health, Jungian identity theory, and community sport programmes. It includes a call to action for parents, coaches, and practitioners, with links to Kevin's broader body of work at kevingeorge.online.

England at the World Cup: What Tuchel's Three Lions Are Really Teaching Us About Mental Performance

England at the World Cup: What Tuchel's Three Lions Are Really Teaching Us About Mental Performance

Kevin George
performance psychology

England's World Cup campaign under Thomas Tuchel is about more than tactics. It is a case study in leadership, emotional regulation, resilience and collective belief. In this article, psychotherapist Kevin George examines the psychological dynamics shaping England's squad, from Harry Kane's relationship with expectation and Marcus Rashford's redemption story to Declan Rice's secure leadership, Jude Bellingham's confidence and Jordan Henderson's persistence. Through the lens of mental health, performance psychology and emotional literacy, this piece explores what football can teach us about identity, belonging and personal growth both on and off the pitch.

Jude Bellingham's Mindset

Jude Bellingham's Mindset

Kevin George

Jude Bellingham, a young English footballer who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, is considered one of the brightest prospects in the world of football. Despite his young age, he has already made a big impact in the sport, and his success is a testament to his incredible mindset.