England star Jude Bellingham shows he could become "one of the greatest" as he unlocks new level

Jude Bellingham is the first player to record three assists in a game for England since Trent Alexander-Arnold against San Marino in November 2021

Just a year ago, Jude Bellingham's place in the England squad was up in the air. Now he is being talked about as having the potential to be one of football's "greatest of all time".

But Bellingham did of course make the squad for the World Cup and was arguably his team's standout performer, finishing as England's top scorer with seven goals as they reached the semi-finals and finished third.

The 23-year-old was instrumental in Rijeka, scoring as well as registering a hat-trick of assists. He even ended the match wearing the captain's armband as England inflicted the heaviest defeat in Croatia's history.

"At this moment in time, he is an amazing footballer. The package – his running power, his delivery, his goal threat. The way he is progressing as a player, I still think there is a lot more to come from him."

Keane added: "He has been fantastic in possession, but what he does out of possession lifts all these other players.

Tuchel has started Bellingham over Morgan Rogers during and after the World Cup

England's front four will share praise for the way in which they demolished the Croatian backline.

And Kane will be back in the spotlight on Tuesday when he can equal Peter Shilton's all-time England men's appearance record against the Czech Republic at Wembley.

And that highlighted the younger man's importance as a leader within the squad.

It was Bellingham's performance in front of goal that impressed former England striker Ian Wright.

"He was involved in everything. His athleticism, his technical ability, his intensity. He never lets up, the way he gets in the box, he is always in there unmarked. He is always in there."