Jude Bellingham Sparks England Greatness Debate After Croatia Masterclass
Jude Bellingham’s commanding display in England’s 7-0 Nations League win over Croatia has renewed discussion over how high the Real Madrid midfielder can climb in the national team’s history.
The 23-year-old scored once and created three more goals in Rijeka, producing the defining performance of England’s 2026/27 Nations League campaign so far. His influence has prompted former internationals Gary Lineker and Roy Keane to suggest that Bellingham could eventually rank among the country’s greatest players, although Micah Richards offered a more qualified view of his technical style.
Debate follows Croatia demolition
- England recorded a 7-0 victory over Croatia in Rijeka, with Bellingham at the centre of the result after registering a goal and three assists.
- His performance combined attacking output with sustained defensive work, underlining the maturity and intensity he has brought to Thomas Tuchel’s side.
- Keane said there remains considerable room for Bellingham to improve, praising both his quality on the ball and the work he does when England do not have possession.
- Keane added that Bellingham’s off-ball commitment raises the standard of those around him and argued that he has the potential to become one of football’s all-time leading players.
Bellingham has become England’s central figure during the Nations League run, continuing the form that has made him a regular for Real Madrid and one of the leading midfielders of his generation.
Richards and Lineker differ over technical profile
Richards praised Bellingham’s mentality and overall game but argued that the midfielder does not possess the same natural elegance as England teammates Cole Palmer and Phil Foden.
“Jude Bellingham does not have Cole Palmer’s flair or Phil Foden’s touch,” Richards said. “But he is a nine out of 10 in virtually every other area, and his confidence is a 10. He fully believes in whatever he tries.”
Lineker rejected the suggestion that Bellingham’s close control falls below that level. The former England striker pointed to his ability to receive the ball in crowded areas, turn away from opponents and carry England forward.
“I do not agree on that point, Micah,” Lineker said. “Jude’s first touch is outstanding, and the way he turns and gets past people is exceptional. I think he could become England’s greatest-ever player.”
That projection would put Bellingham in a debate with figures including Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton and Harry Kane, provided he sustains his current development over the coming years.
Numbers already place him among England’s key players
Bellingham has won England Men’s Player of the Year in each of the past two seasons, reflecting his standing as the side’s most influential individual performer.
- 59 England appearances
- 14 international goals
- 13 assists for the national team
- A place in the World Cup Best XI
- Two successive England Men’s Player of the Year awards
His output is particularly notable for a midfielder, while his major-tournament recognition has added weight to the belief that England’s next era can be built around him.
Euro 2028, to be played on home soil, may provide the clearest test of Bellingham’s standing. If he can lead England to their first senior men’s major title since the 1966 World Cup, the individual honours and statistical achievements would be accompanied by the trophy that has eluded generations of England players.
