ENGLAND stars Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze both celebrated their birthdays at England’s base yesterday — but missed out on a cake.
Nutrition experts found a healthier treat for Jude, who turned 21, and Ebs, 26, before today’s clash.
Teammates, manager Gareth Southgate and backroom staff all burst into a chorus of Happy Birthday at the morning meeting, while balloons and banners were strung around the lads’ doors.
Real Madrid ace Jude has won Champions League and La Liga medals in his first season with the Spanish giants while Crystal Palace star Eberechi has burst onto the England scene thanks to his pace and skill.
A source said: “There was no way there wouldn’t be some kind of celebration and it was fun for everyone.
“But a slab of birthday cake or a beer is a no-no for finely-tuned athletes so close to a big game.”
Two stars from England’s 26-man squad celebrating birthdays on the same day is not as big a coincidence as it may appear, according to statistics boffins.
The number of people needed to be in a room for two of them to have more than 50-50 chance of sharing a birthday is, incredibly, just 23.
Jude’s younger brother Jobe, 18, also shared throwback photos of the footballing siblings.
The player, who has been linked to Crystal Palace from Sunderland, shared three pics of them through the ages.
He captioned his post: “My only brother, proud always & regardless.
“Happy 21st birthday big bro.”
Jobe has also been seen cheering on Jude from the stands in Germany with mum Denise and dad Mark.