CALLS have been made for Black Country born football star Jude Bellingham to be honoured.

The leader of the Labour group on Dudley Council has called for England midfielder Jude, who hails from Stourbridge, to be recognised for his achievements during the Euro 2024 football tournament.

Jude scored two incredible goals during the tournament – helping England to secure its place in the final on Sunday, which concluded with a 2-1 victory for Spain.

Dudley Labour leader Councillor Pete Lowe made the proposal at Monday’s full council meeting in Dudley - outlining a wish to honour the local turned national hero whose father Mark Bellingham was a prolific goal scorer for Stourbridge Football Club.

Cllr Lowe said: “Although we didn’t win, Jude’s contribution during the competition has been immense. Like his father, he has raised the profile of Stourbridge and consequently, the profile of the borough of Dudley, the capital of the Black Country, not just here in the UK but also on the continent.

“On behalf of the citizens of this borough, we should like to honour him. He has made us proud.”

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “Many people might query as to why the leaders of the two main parties would want to honour at this time Jude Bellingham. After all, we didn’t win the European Championship and a lot of players looked below par compared to the club season they have enjoyed.

"However, at just 21 years of age Jude Bellingham has achieved so much in a relatively short time. Just last season he was the UEFA Young Player of the Season, La Liga Player of the Season and lifted with Real Madrid the Spanish League title, Spanish Cup and of course The UEFA Champions League.

"He is certainly not a one season wonder as he has previously won the German (Bundesliga) Player of the Season and been named the Golden Boy (best young player in Europe)."

"As one of our own local born lads he fully deserves to be recognised and honoured in any way the council sees fit.”

Cross party discussions will now be held to make arrangements.