Bellingham Hits New Level as England Star Backed to Become One of the Greatest

Posted : 05 October 2026

Jude Bellingham produced one of his finest England performances as the Three Lions crushed Croatia 7-0 in the UEFA Nations League in Rijeka on Saturday. The Real Madrid midfielder scored once and provided three assists as England recorded their biggest win over Croatia.

Bellingham was involved from the start as England raced into a commanding lead. He helped create Harry Kane's eighth-minute opener before scoring himself in the 21st minute, while Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka added further goals before half-time.

The 23-year-old continued to influence the match after the break. He assisted Saka's second goal and later supplied Morgan Rogers for England's seventh goal in the closing stages. Bellingham also became the first England player to register three assists in one match since Trent Alexander-Arnold against San Marino in November 2021.

His performance earned widespread praise from former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane. The ITV pundit said Bellingham has the potential to become "one of the greatest players of all time" while highlighting his power, delivery, goal threat and work rate.

Keane also praised Bellingham's contribution without the ball. He believes the midfielder's intensity and defensive work encourage the players around him and make him an important leader within the England squad.

England manager Thomas Tuchel also believes Bellingham is continuing to develop. Tuchel said top players must keep improving because standing still allows other teams to catch up.

Bellingham's influence was particularly significant because he wore the captain's armband after Kane was substituted. His leadership role underlined his growing importance to Tuchel's England side.

Kane scored twice against Croatia and moved to 89 international goals. The England captain is now set to equal Peter Shilton's record of 125 appearances when England face the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday.

Bukayo Saka also scored twice, while Gordon and Rogers completed the rout. England dominated possession with 64 percent and recorded 10 shots on target as Croatia struggled to cope with the visitors' attacking movement.

The victory leaves England second in Nations League League A, Group Three with six points from three matches. Spain lead the group with nine points after beating the Czech Republic 3-1.

Bellingham's display also strengthens his position as one of the central figures in Tuchel's England team. After questions over his international future a year ago, the midfielder now appears firmly established as a key player and leader.

Bellingham Hits New Level as England Star Backed to Become One of the Greatest

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics