Declan Rice is relishing the chance to build a partnership with Jude Bellingham in England’s midfield, insisting there is no ceiling to the 19-year-old’s potential.
This has been a camp with many challenges for Gareth Southgate but the undoubted triumph was the progress of Bellingham, whose performances against Italy and Germany have likely guaranteed a starting place against Iran on November 21.
Rice, West Ham’s driving force, is a naturally enthusiastic talker but there was a different tone when discussing Bellingham.
The Borussia Dortmund man made a deep impression on the squad — many say a sign of his maturity comes from how he is speaking to different players rather than those of his own age.
‘He’s 19 but he’s got the body of a 28-year-old — he’s a man!’ Rice enthused.
‘He thinks like a man, plays like a man and shows personality and character. He’s the future of English football for the next 15 years if he wants to be.
‘He is top lad as well — he really pushes you on the pitch. We push each other on and it’s a privilege to play next to him. I’m still only 23!
'I’ve been around and played so many more games than he has but you can just tell as a 19-year-old what he brings to the team already, the energy he’s got.
'Jude can play in a holding role, he can play as an eight, he can play as a No 10. He can play anywhere in midfield and I know he’s going to be crucial for us. Every time I play with Jude we’re building that connection.
'Hopefully he keeps flourishing. I say to him, “You go and bomb on and attack and I’ll sit here and defend for you!”
‘He’s a young man with an old head, really. All the lads love him.
'I don’t think I’ve seen anyone as good as he is for 19. He’s got the whole package.’
Rice finished the Germany game strongly and said the squad are united behind Gareth Southgate.
‘I think you see how we fight for him, what we’ve done in the previous tournament under him, we feel like we are building something,’ said Rice.