Jude Bellingham scored a goal, set up three more, and wore the captain’s armband as England dismantled Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka on Saturday. The performance has prompted talk of him becoming one of football’s “greatest of all time.”
A year ago, Bellingham’s place in the England squad was up in the air. Thomas Tuchel left him out of his October 2025 squad and questioned whether he would make the World Cup. Now the debate is whether he can join the pantheon of the sport.
From Outcast to Captain
Bellingham was left out of Tuchel’s squad in October 2025. The German head coach said Bellingham wouldn’t get star treatment. That exclusion looked like a mistake by the time the World Cup arrived.
He made the squad anyway and starred throughout the tournament. He finished as England’s top scorer with seven goals as they reached the semi-finals and finished third. The 23-year-old’s role against Croatia suggested he has reached another gear entirely.
He was instrumental in the 7-0 win, scoring as well as registering a hat-trick of assists. He ended the match wearing the captain’s armband as England inflicted the heaviest defeat in Croatia’s history.
Keane’s Superlative
Roy Keane, the former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder, was effusive after the game on ITV.
“Bellingham can go on to be one of the greatest players of all time,” Keane said.
“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 also praised Bellingham’s influence beyond the ball.
“He has been fantastic in possession, but what he does out of possession lifts all these other players,” Keane said.
“If you have a player that good in your team, who is amazing in possession and he’s playing for Real Madrid and doing brilliant things, but his work rate off the ball… that will just inspire other players. He is a huge leader for them.”
Upson’s Nailed-On Role
Matt Upson, a former England defender, told BBC Radio 5 Live that Bellingham is now “nailed on as the 10” for the future.
Bellingham was recently voted England’s player of the year for the second year in a row. Against Croatia, he showed why.
His performance in front of goal impressed Ian Wright, the former England striker.
“When Bellingham is on the pitch, he is always driving forward and going again and again,” Wright said.
“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.”
The Numbers Behind the Performance
Bellingham’s night was statistically significant as well as visually dominant.
- He was directly involved in more than two goals in a game for the first time.
- He became the first player to record three assists in a game for the Three Lions since Trent Alexander-Arnold against San Marino in November 2021.
- He scored and assisted in the same game, taking over the captaincy when Kane was rested late in the match.
Tuchel was asked by BBC Sport if Bellingham had gone to another level.
“Yes, at the moment it seems like it, and you always need to,” Tuchel said.
“It’s like you can never stand still. You have to develop and you have to push for the next level, otherwise other teams will catch up.”
Moving On After Argentina
Tuchel said the performance was a way to “move on” after the disappointment of England’s World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina. He said he “adjusted some things” following the tournament, giving players, including Bellingham, “a lot of responsibility.”
Bellingham assisted Saka’s first goal with a high-quality cross. Saka was part of the front four that shared praise for the demolition of the Croatian backline.
“He was amazing tonight,” Saka said of Bellingham.
“He deserved player of the year and he deserved man of the match tonight too. He was special.”
The Front Four
England’s attacking quartet will share credit for the comprehensive victory.
Harry Kane scored twice, as did Bukayo Saka. Anthony Gordon scored and assisted too. Kane moved to 89 goals for his country in the process.
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.
Leadership Under Pressure
The captaincy change highlighted Bellingham’s growing importance. When Kane was rested with 20 minutes to go, it was Bellingham who took the armband.
That move showed the younger man’s leadership within the squad. Bellingham’s ability to lead by example has been noted throughout his career, and this night was no exception.
What Comes Next
Bellingham’s progress has been rapid. A year ago, his place was in doubt. Now he is being discussed in terms of greatness.
The key question is whether he can sustain this level. Tuchel’s response suggests he knows the answer: keep pushing or others will catch up.
Bellingham has shown every aspect of his game against Croatia. The goals, the assists, the leadership, and the relentless drive were all on display.
The next test comes on Tuesday against the Czech Republic, where Kane will chase Shilton’s record. Bellingham’s form means he will be central to that challenge.
The Record Match
| Fixture | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| England vs Croatia | Saturday | Rijeka |
| England vs Czech Republic | Tuesday | Wembley |
Bellingham’s path to greatness runs through these matches. The 7-0 result against Croatia was a statement of intent.
The talk of him being one of the “greatest of all time” is the subject of current discussion. The evidence is stacking up. He has the talent, the hunger, and the leadership qualities. All that remains is the consistency.
England will be better for having him. So will Real Madrid. And so will the rest of football, if he keeps producing nights like this.
Key Facts Box
– Bellingham scored and registered three assists in the 7-0 win over Croatia
– He became the first player to record three assists in a game for England since Trent Alexander-Arnold against San Marino in November 2021
– He took over the captain’s armband when Harry Kane was rested
– He was recently voted England’s player of the year for the second year in a row
– England’s next fixture is against the Czech Republic on Tuesday at Wembley
Source material: “Bellingham unlocks new level and potential to be 'one of the greatest',” the BBC.
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