England star Jude Bellingham shows he could become "one of the greatest" as he unlocks new level
England footballer Jude Bellingham is being hailed as a potential all-time great after a standout performance against Croatia. His recent development has solidified his role as a key playmaker for both Real Madrid and the England national team.
Why it matters
Bellingham's rapid ascent highlights the shifting landscape of international football and the emergence of a new generation of global superstars.
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 3 October 2026 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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