England absolutely dismantled Croatia 7-0 in the Nations League on Saturday, and Jude Bellingham was at the absolute heart of it, scoring a goal and registering a hat-trick of assists. It was a performance so dominant, it felt like he leveled up right before our eyes! The 23-year-old even ended the match wearing the captain’s armband as England inflicted the heaviest defeat in Croatia’s history.
From Question Mark to GOAT Talk
This kid’s journey is wild. Just a year ago, back in October 2025, Jude Bellingham’s spot in the England squad was in doubt. Thomas Tuchel, the head coach, left him out and even questioned his World Cup place, saying Bellingham wouldn’t get “star treatment.” But man, did he ever prove them wrong! He made the World Cup squad, was arguably England’s standout performer, and finished as their top scorer with seven goals as they powered their way to the semi-finals and took third place. He’s been voted England’s player of the year two years running for a reason, showing he’s world-class for club and country. Now, after that Croatia demolition, people like former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane are talking about him becoming “one of the greatest players of all time.” Keane went off on ITV saying, “At this moment in time, he is an amazing footballer. The package , his running power, his delivery, his goal threat. The way he is progressing as a player, I still think there is a lot more to come from him.”
Leadership Beyond the Box Score
It wasn’t just the goals and the assists that screamed leadership on Saturday. Bellingham was directly involved in more than two goals for England for the first time, and he became the first player to bag three assists for the Three Lions since Trent Alexander-Arnold back in November 2021. Yeah, Harry Kane, the record goalscorer with 89 goals for his country, hammered in two more, and Bukayo Saka chipped in with two, plus Anthony Gordon got a goal and an assist. But when Kane was rested with twenty minutes left, who got the captain’s armband? Bellingham. That right there tells you everything about his importance and leadership in this squad. Former England defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live that Bellingham is now “nailed on as the 10” for the future. And it’s not just the flashy stuff. Roy Keane pointed out, “He has been fantastic in possession, but what he does out of possession lifts all these other players. If you have a player that good in your team, who is amazing in possession and he’s playing for Real Madrid and doing brilliant things, but his work rate off the ball… that will just inspire other players. He is a huge leader for them.” Former England striker Ian Wright said Bellingham is “always driving forward and going again and again,” adding, “He was involved in everything. His athleticism, his technical ability, his intensity. He never lets up, the way he gets in the box, he is always in there unmarked. He is always in there.” Coach Tuchel himself was asked if Bellingham had gone to another level, and his answer was a straight “Yes, at the moment it seems like it.” This isn’t just a star player, this is a future legend who inspires everyone around him.
So what’s next? Harry Kane is about to equal Peter Shilton’s all-time England men’s appearance record when they face the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday. You know Bellingham will be right there, probably setting up Kane for number ninety. The momentum for this England squad, with Bellingham driving it, is absolutely electric. Keep your eyes peeled, because if Saturday was any indication, we’re watching something truly special unfold.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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