Alan Pardew fears that Jude Bellingham will suffer the same fate as David Beckham at the 1998 World Cup – as he warns the 20-year-old will have a ‘moment when he does something less mature’

Alan Pardew fears Jude Bellingham could suffer the same fate as David Beckham at the 1998 World Cup during this summer’s European Championship.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a surprising debut season with Real Madrid that has seen him become the LaLiga giants’ top scorer and most important player.

Bellingham has scored 20 goals in all competitions, while Carlo Ancelotti’s side are eight points clear at the top of the league and harboring aspirations of a 15th Champions League title.

But amid his impressive displays, the former Borussia Dortmund star has had some run-ins with referees, notably when he received a red card for passionate protests after his final goal was disallowed in Madrid’s draw in Valencia earlier in this month.

Pardew, who noted the rough treatment Bellingham received from Brazilian Lucas Paquetá at Wembley, warned that the youngster could resort to age-old action if his opponents continually attack him.

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“Obviously he is understanding that in Madrid, don’t think that is not happening in Madrid.” the former Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss told the Sunday session on talkSPORT.

“He’s getting used to it and I think he’s frustrated because he wants to do so well.”

“Yesterday off camera he was pumping up the crowd, he’s a real motivator, he was pumping up the team, he was talking to individual people, he’s just a great footballer, period.”

“We are very lucky to have him, perhaps it should be said that he is one of the three best players in the world.” He is an exceptional talent and is going to have moments like Becks had.

“There’s going to be a moment where he does something, let’s say, less mature and gets in trouble, although we hope it’s not in this tournament because I think it’s going to be very, very important.”

Beckham’s infamous red card in the 1998 World Cup round of 16 against Argentina was the first of his career. It came after the ridicule of the now Atlético de Madrid coach, Diego Simeone.

The Three Lions lost the match, and most of the resulting blame fell on the 23-year-old.