Bellingham unlocks new level and potential to be 'one of the greatest'

What the report says

Jude Bellingham’s latest England display has prompted fresh talk that the Real Madrid midfielder could become one of the game’s all-time greats, according to BBC Sport Football. In England’s 7-0 Nations League win over Croatia in Rijeka, he scored once and set up three goals, while also wearing the captain’s armband late in the match. BBC Sport noted that he became the first England player to register three assists in a game since Trent Alexander-Arnold in 2021.

The report places Bellingham’s rise in context, pointing out that his England future was uncertain a year ago, including after he was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s squad in October 2025. Despite that, he made the World Cup squad, where he was one of England’s standout players, finishing as the team’s top scorer with seven goals as they reached the semi-finals and took third place.

Former players and Tuchel praised Bellingham’s all-round influence, highlighting his running power, work without the ball and leadership. BBC Sport said his performance against Croatia suggested he may have reached another level in his development, with teammates including Bukayo Saka also crediting his impact. The result itself was notable as England’s heaviest-ever win over Croatia and part of Tuchel’s effort to move on from the disappointment of the World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina.