Jude Bellingham's name is once again on everyone's lips after another heroic performance for England. The former Birmingham City midfielder scored both goals in a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway, propelling the Three Lions into the World Cup semi-finals for just the fourth time in history.
Praise from Legends
Bellingham's display caught the attention of English football legends Gary Lineker and Ian Wright, who highlighted the 23-year-old's all-round performance. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright praised Bellingham's confidence and background at Birmingham City.
"Remember his number got retired at Birmingham. They said that was silly," Wright said. "But now you look at him. He went to Real Madrid and took Zinedine Zidane's shirt number. That's ballsy. Jude has gone to a level that's unbelievable."
Bellingham was only 17 when he left Birmingham City, and his number 22 shirt was retired by the club. The midfielder has since downplayed the move, saying: "I always say that it's not retired. It's reserved for when I go back and hopefully take them to the Premier League."
Lineker's Bold Claim
Meanwhile, Lineker told The Rest is Football podcast: "I would go as far as to say I think there's a chance he could end up being England's greatest ever footballer."
"At this age to be doing what he is doing and grabbing England by the scruff of the neck and getting them over the line – that is a superstar reaction. I think it is just incredible what he is doing."
Bellingham's performance against Norway included two clinical finishes and a commanding presence in midfield, earning him the man of the match award. England now await their semi-final opponent, with fans and pundits alike debating whether Lineker's bold prediction could come true.
