Bellingham Makes Case for All-Time Greats Status with Impressive Form

Jude Bellingham's impressive form has sparked talk that he could become one of football's all-time greats, a notion that was unimaginable just a year ago when his place in the England squad was uncertain.

The 23-year-old Real Madrid player had been left out of Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad in October 2025, prompting speculation about his future with the national team. However, Bellingham ultimately made it to the tournament and proved himself as a vital asset for England, contributing significantly to their third-place finish at the World Cup.

Bellingham has already demonstrated his world-class abilities through outstanding performances for both club and country. His recent display against Croatia in the Nations League was particularly noteworthy, as he played a pivotal role in England's 7-0 victory - a result that saw Croatia suffer their worst defeat in history.

In this match, Bellingham not only scored but also provided three assists, showcasing his exceptional skill and vision on the pitch. He even had the honor of wearing the captain's armband for part of the game, highlighting his leadership qualities as well.

Bellingham's impressive performance on the pitch has not gone unnoticed by former football stars. Roy Keane, a renowned figure in the sport, praised Bellingham's skills, highlighting his exceptional running power and goal threat.

Keane was not alone in his admiration for the young player; Matt Upson, a former England defender, also sang Bellingham's praises. Upson recently voted him England's player of the year for the second consecutive year, which is a testament to his exceptional skills on the field.

Bellingham's impressive performance has earned him a spot as the team's number 10 in the future, according to Upson. This is not surprising given his fantastic display in possession and his ability to lift other players with his work rate off the ball.

England's front four, which includes Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Anthony Gordon, also deserves praise for their role in demolishing the Croatian backline. The quartet's impressive performance saw Kane and Saka each score twice, while Gordon added a goal and an assist to the team's tally.

As England's match against Croatia continued, Harry Kane made history by scoring twice, but it was Jude Bellingham who caught attention for his impressive performance in front of goal.

Bellingham took on a more prominent role after Kane was rested with 20 minutes remaining, and it highlighted the young midfielder's importance as a leader within the squad. His display showcased every aspect of his game, leaving fans and pundits alike to take notice.

Former England striker Ian Wright praised Bellingham for his relentless drive and technical ability, noting that he is always involved in everything on the pitch. Wright specifically commended Bellingham's athleticism, intensity, and tendency to get into scoring positions unmarked.

Bellingham's impressive performance also marked a new milestone for him as a player. He became the first England player since Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2021 to record three assists in a single game against Croatia.

Tuchel was asked about Bellingham's display, and his response hinted that he may have reached another level of performance.

The manager's comments suggest that Bellingham has indeed reached a new level of performance, and it is up to him to continue pushing forward.

Tuchel emphasized the importance of constant improvement, stating that teams will inevitably catch up if players stand still. He also revealed that he made adjustments after England's World Cup semi-final loss, giving his players more responsibility, including Bellingham.

The impact of these changes was evident in the match, as Bellingham assisted Bukayo Saka's goal with a precise cross and received praise from his teammate for being "special" on the pitch.