Joleon Lescott believes hotshot Jude Bellingham can be the man to fire England to a first major trophy since 1966.
The immensely talented 20-year-old has the world as his feet and has hit the ground running since a mega £88.5million move to Real Madrid this summer.
Three Lions' fans will have endured 58 years of hurt by the time Euro 2024 rolls around next year.
But former defender Lescott reckons Gareth Southgate's side can go one better than their heartbreaking final shootout defeat three years ago against Italy.
England are out for revenge against the Italians when the sides lock horns in qualifying at Wembley on Tuesday night.
'Jude's one of the most exciting talents if not the most exciting talent in the world,' said Lescott, who was capped 26 times for his country.
'He's the best player in the world right now.
'I'm optimistic for the tournament. It will be a group of players going there with a high level of confidence.
'This is as exciting as it gets for an England fan with the quality and squad we've got.
'Jude's had a huge impact at Real Madrid and that's incredible to think from a boy who's come from Birmingham.
'As a human he's impressive as well, not just as a footballer, he's someone you can look up to and admire.
'He's carrying himself well and delivering on the pitch. He understands the game at a level he shouldn't at his age.
'Long may it continue for himself and England because he could win the Ballon D'or and that would be a huge thing for England.'
Southgate, who famously missed a penalty in the devastating Euro '96 semi-final defeat to Germany, has a string of near misses on his CV as Three Lions' boss.
The 2018 World Cup semi-final, EURO 2020 final and 2022 World Cup quarter-final are battle scars his squad will have to overcome.
But Southgate is desperate to end his tenure as national boss in style by delivering a much-needed trophy for the country.
'I think Gareth is the right person to have success,' added Lescott.
'His biggest achievement to me as England manager would be how the England team is view now with the camaraderie in the group and how collective and one the fanbase is.
'It would be great for him to lead us to a trophy. He deserves it.'
Fahadpuyol12
452
best midfielder so far in Laliga .... he will be bestplayer in the world when talent (LM10 )retires ..so far MESSI is the GOAT
Jordon4u
382
Very funny, I love Bellingham and his current form but do you know what makes a player the best in the world. The player must be technically great at most of the attributes and qualities used in the game. Dribbling, passing, vision, stamina, strength, assisting, scoring, both on and off the ball many more. Jude Bellingham is good but not the best in the world. Mbappe, Vinicius, Musiala, Alvarez, De Bruyne, and many other players are technically better than Bellingham. He is the player in form ( scoring wise) but not the best at the moment. The best is still Messi, since he feet 🦶🏻 touched a ball no player has being able to do more with the ball or in a match than Messi.