Amman — Just one year ago, Jude Bellingham’s place in the England squad was in doubt. Now, the discussion is about whether he has the qualities to become one of the “greatest players in football history.”
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The Real Madrid star was left out of the Three Lions squad selected by manager Thomas Tuchel in October 2025, prompting questions about his place in the World Cup squad, particularly after the German coach made clear that Bellingham would not receive special treatment simply because he was one of England’s stars.
Bellingham naturally went on to secure his place in England’s World Cup squad and could even be considered the team’s standout player during the tournament, finishing as their top scorer with seven goals as England reached the semifinals and ultimately finished third.
The 23-year-old had already demonstrated his world-class level through outstanding performances for club and country, but the way he led England to a 7-0 demolition of Croatia in the UEFA Nations League two days ago suggested he may now be reaching an entirely new level.
Bellingham was at the heart of England’s performance in Rijeka, scoring one goal and setting up three others.
He even finished the match wearing the captain’s armband on a night when England inflicted the heaviest defeat in Croatia’s history.
Former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane said on ITV after the match: “Bellingham can become one of the greatest players in history.”
“At the moment, he is an incredible footballer. He has the complete package, from his ability to run to his passing and his threat in front of goal. Looking at the way he is developing as a player, I still think he has a lot more to give,” Keane added.
After recently being named England’s Player of the Year for the second consecutive year, Bellingham is now the clear choice to occupy the No. 10 role in the future, according to former England defender Matt Upson.
Keane continued to praise the Real Madrid star, this time focusing on his impact without the ball.
“He was brilliant in possession, but what he does without the ball raises the level of all the other players,” Keane said.
“When you have a player of that quality in your team, an incredible player on the ball who plays for Real Madrid and does wonderful things, then you see the amount of work he puts in without the ball, it inspires the rest of the players. He is a great leader for them.”
Bellingham was not the only England player to shine in the rout of Croatia, as the team’s attacking quartet shared the praise after tearing apart the hosts’ defense.
England’s all-time leading scorer Harry Kane scored twice, while Bukayo Saka also netted a brace, and Anthony Gordon scored once and provided an assist.
Kane will return to the spotlight on Tuesday, when he will have the chance to equal Peter Shilton’s all-time record for appearances for the England men’s team in their match against the Czech Republic at Wembley.
Kane took his international tally to 89 goals, with the 33-year-oldstriker once again demonstrating how difficult he would be to replace in the England team.
But when Tuchel decided to rest him 20 minutes before the end, the captain’s armband was handed to Bellingham.
That moment provided further evidence of the Real Madrid star’s growing importance as one of England’s leaders, not simply as a decisive player on the pitch.
The match also marked the first time Bellingham had been directly involved in more than two goals in a single game for England.
He also became the first player to provide three assists in a match for England since Trent Alexander-Arnold against San Marino in November 2021.
Bellingham’s movement in areas close to goal was among the aspects that most impressed former England striker Ian Wright.
“When Bellingham is on the pitch, he is always driving forward and doing it again and again. He was involved in everything. His physical ability, his technical ability and his intensity. He never stops,” Wright said.
“Look at the way he gets into the penalty area. He is always there unmarked. You always find him inside the box,” he added.
Bellingham showcased different aspects of his ability against Croatia, prompting journalists to ask Tuchel whether the player had truly reached another level.
“Yes, at the moment it seems that way, and you always need to do that,” the German coach said.
“It is like the fact that you can never stand still. You have to develop and push yourself to reach the next level, otherwise the other teams will catch up with you,” he added.
Tuchel said the performance was also a way of “getting over” the disappointment of England’s World Cup semifinal defeat to Argentina.
He revealed that he had made “some adjustments” after the tournament and given players, including Bellingham, “a lot of responsibility.”
Saka was one of the members of England’s impressive attacking quartet against Croatia, with his first goal coming after a high-quality cross from Bellingham.
The England winger praised his teammate, saying: “He was amazing tonight. He deserved the Player of the Year award, and he deserved the Player of the Match award tonight as well. He was exceptional.”
“I’m happy to play with him, and happy to have him with us in the England team,” Saka concluded.
Just one year after doubts surrounded his place in the national team, the picture has completely changed for Bellingham.
Seven goals at the World Cup, England’s Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year, followed by a goal, three assists and the captain’s armband in a historic night against Croatia all point to a major transformation in his standing within the national team.
The question is no longer whether Bellingham deserves his place with England, but how far a player who Roy Keane believes has the qualities to become one of the greatest footballers of all time can go.
Resource: Al-Ghad.
