Bellingham unlocks new level and potential to be 'one of the greatest'
Jude Bellingham is receiving high praise after a standout performance for England, including a goal and three assists in a 7-0 win over Croatia. Experts suggest he is developing into one of the greatest players in football history.
Why it matters
Bellingham's rapid development is a major narrative in international football, influencing team dynamics and market valuation for elite players.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Jude Bellingham is the first player to record three assists in a game for England since Trent Alexander-Arnold against San Marino in November 2021
England reporter at Stadion HNK Rijeka Published 46 minutes ago Just a year ago, Jude Bellingham's place in the England squad was up in the air. Now he is being talked about as having the potential to be one of football's "greatest of all time".
The Real Madrid man was left out of Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad in October 2025 and his place at the World Cup was called into question, with the German head coach saying Bellingham wouldn't get star treatment.
But Bellingham did of course make the squad for the World Cup and was arguably his team's standout performer, finishing as England's top scorer with seven goals as they reached the semi-finals and finished third.
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