Gary Lineker suggested Jude Bellingham could be England's greatest ever player, after the midfielder's World Cup heroics against Norway.
England were not at their best in Saturday's quarter-final tie at Miami Stadium, but Bellingham delivered once more on the biggest stage.
The 23-year-old dragged England level towards the end of the first half, before capitalising on Orjan Nyland's mistake to put the Three Lions ahead in extra time.
Bellingham has netted six goals at the 2026 World Cup, none of which have been penalties. This is the joint-most non-penalty goals by an England player in a major tournament, along with Lineker at the 1986 World Cup (six).
And Lineker feels Bellingham is establishing himself as the best player England have ever had.
"I would go as far as to say I think there's a chance that I think he could well be, or end up being, England's greatest ever footballer. And that is a big shout," Lineker said on The Rest is Football.
"We've had some really great players. Some of them have not necessarily done it for their country, others have.
"Go back to people like Bobby Charlton, obviously, [he] would have to be up there.
"You would put Harry Kane in that bracket and there are other players as well, but I think at this age, to be doing what he's doing and to grabbing England by the scruff and getting them over the line, that is [a] superstar."
Bellingham has now scored seven goals at the World Cup for England – the only player to net more in the competition while aged 23 or younger is Kylian Mbappe (12), while the Three Lions' number 10 is now level with Pele on seven.
The Real Madrid man has netted a brace in each of his last two appearances, with only Kane (four) and Lineker (three) ever having more matches in which they scored 2+ goals for the Three Lions in the World Cup.
In the history of the competition overall, the only midfielder with more 2+ goal games than Bellingham is Peru's Teofilo Cubillas (three).
GopsAmeshu
0
Typical English Hyping started again. Let him play and prove it then we will talk. Because we know the same mouth will speak badly if he make a silly mistake or his form lower as human
Neadenpstu
0
biggest crybaby after Ronaldo fans
Ghostface254
0
In 2014, the only team to draw with Germany was Ghana and went ahead to win the cup, this year the only team to draw with England is Ghana and the run is still on.... 2006 Ghana was in the same group with Italy and went to win the cup, 2014 same with Germany and won the cup. History is repeating itself. Am not a prophet Everyone should screenshot this one down and remember by next week
[image]
England vs Spain final...Repeat of the Euro 2024 final and still Spain will win it again and be 2026 World Champions ...You also screenshot this
de_bryt
1
In 2014, the only team to draw with Germany was Ghana and went ahead to win the cup, this year the only team to draw with England is Ghana and the run is still on.... 2006 Ghana was in the same group with Italy and went to win the cup, 2014 same with Germany and won the cup. History is repeating itself. Am not a prophet Everyone should screenshot this one down and remember by next week
SAH7
0
HE IS!
livingstoneDlam
0
and balotelli could have been italy’s best player. 😂 bad comparison i know but you know what i mean; attitude!!
he ruined his career for nothing that guy. pride is never beneficial
livingstoneDlam
0
and balotelli could have been italy’s best player. 😂 bad comparison i know but you know what i mean; attitude!!
🤣 that bad boy
bwambamo
0
imargine if Mbambe was English. he had been doing that since he started playing in world cup tournaments. they would have branded him the GOAT long t. these guys talk too much. just a month ago, Nevile said Harry kane was the only world-class player in the England squad. and now see wat they are saying. they are easily taken up by moments. thy make conclusions so fast. you wonder if they think before talking. THE ENGLISH MEDIA CAN KILL YOUNG TALENTS. THE HYPE IF YOUR PERFORMING WELL AND THE INSULTS ID YOU HAVE A BAD GAME.
Biodilmnyz
0
It can’t be possible please
GunnArs
1
and balotelli could have been italy’s best player. 😂 bad comparison i know but you know what i mean; attitude!!
Lion-El-MessiBarca
1
All the talking will be over next Wednesday. The Real Goat is In a mission, he is like a demon in a lucifer mission to take on human beings.
Wutabdty
0
Harry Kane is better than him even as a midfielder
And thats not even a joke check their assist record at kane last season in EPL he played more like a midfielder and has both goals and assist
Vacaeiklns
0
if England win the WC, which is believe they can provided they past Argentina in the Semi. Jude will win the golden globe
How? so he's going to score 5 goals in two matches?
Pusdmnprtz
3
Lineker u a another English fool. so the world don't need yr idiotic opinions. bcs we k now English man are stupid I
Pusdmnprtz
0
Lineker. u are another English fool. just shut the fuck up
jitabdipsz
0
He is good but you have to have measures by which you are comparing him with his colleagues, whether past or present, otherwise you would also have others who have done their feat in other ways.
tuebdlmryz
0
Harry Kane is better than him even as a midfielder
you should really start watching the game if you think that's the truth
Mozaceprz
0
if England win the WC, which is believe they can provided they past Argentina in the Semi. Jude will win the golden globe
Nopbciuy
0
Harry Kane is better than him even as a midfielder
Duodilmntu
1
This English pundits can say things ooooo! Then, your standards for top top players in England are not challenging at all... No wonder you English players are no envy and motivation for others kuraaaa...