Jude Bellingham’s impressive ascent continued as he secured England’s winning goal in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia, with manager Gareth Southgate praising him as a player who “writes his own scripts.”
The 20-year-old Stourbridge native, currently playing for Real Madrid, is the first European player to participate in three major international tournaments before turning 21.
Bellingham has also scored in two of these tournaments, having netted a goal against Iran in the 2022 World Cup.
His 13th-minute header in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday proved to be the decisive goal of the match.
“I am willing to do whatever it takes and am ready to do everything to help the country win this football tournament,” said Bellingham afterwards.
BBC pundit Micah Richards, a former England international, said: “He’s taken the game by the scruff of the neck and this is what you need.
“His composure is remarkable. He’s the leader in this team at such a young age and he knows it. He’s got a great attitude, he’s got everything. I’m running out of superlatives for him. He manages the game really well.
“If he can keep that form throughout the tournament then he is the man we can rely on.”
Following a season where he secured both the Spanish title and the Champions League with his club, Bellingham is now the second favorite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, the prestigious award given to the world’s best player.
If England triumphs at Euro 2024, he stands a strong chance of claiming that coveted honor.
“He’s come out today with the attitude knowing it’s his game,” said former England centre-back Rio Ferdinand on BBC One.
“He’s said ‘guys, this is my game and I am him’. That’s the vibe he’s given me with how he’s gesturing. You have to enjoy your great players.”
Bellingham left the pitch to a standing ovation from the travelling England fans late on.
“Jude Bellingham is made up of amazing people,” Bellingham said. “It’s not just me. It’s because I have such a great support network – my family, my friends, my team-mates. Playing football is the easiest part.
“I have got used to getting into the box, getting wide and trying to do that. I got into that habit at Madrid and I wanted to carry my form into the Euros.
“It’s a great start for me personally to get my confidence up, and to help the lads get the win is the most important thing.”
‘It’s all right’ being Jude Bellingham right now.