Ray Parlour believes Jude Bellingham can be England’s star man in Qatar after his stunning performance against Iran.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder, 19, inspired Gareth Southgate's side to a 6-2 victory in their opening World Cup game against Iran on Monday - scoring the opening goal - and is expected to retain his spot against the United States on Friday.
Bukayo Saka is also poised to continue in attack after scoring a brace against Iran. Parlour is a huge fan of Saka, 21, and Bellingham - and the Arsenal legend believes England’s "fearless" attitude could help them go far in Qatar.
"Saka - I’ve seen a lot of him at Arsenal, and he’s getting better and better," Parlour, speaking on behalf of 888sport, tells Mirror Football. "He’s always involved, he’s very lively to watch.
"I think Bellingham is going to have a great tournament. What he showed against Iran - he showed maturity and scored a fantastic header. I like the way he’s a box-to-box player - he’s not like a Declan Rice who just sits in front of the back four – you know he can get forward at vital stages and score you goals as well.
"Bellingham, for 19 years old, is unbelievable. The way he played against Iran; nothing seems to faze him. He went to Dortmund, and he’s played really well for Dortmund. In Champions League games - big games - he’s played well. He’s been skipper as well, so I think he’s going to be a real star – not just for this World Cup but for many World Cups going forward."
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Parlour, who was also a midfielder during his playing days, is astonished by Bellingham’s maturity. "It’s amazing... especially playing for his country because you know what’s at stake," he adds. "But he just seems to go through games without being fazed about the occasion or wearing that England shirt, and that’s what you need.
"The maturity he’s shown. He was very brave to go to Germany in the first place at his age, and you can see how important he is for Dortmund. I’m sure we’ll see him in the Premier League one day, but when that’ll be - we’ll have to see. He’s just a fantastic player to watch.
"I like the old-fashioned midfielders if I’m being honest, I don’t like the No.10s. Bryan Robson was my idol growing up. He was box-to-box and could do everything, a little bit like Steven Gerrard. Bellingham looks a very similar player to those guys.
"It’s a real beauty to have if you’ve got late runners into the box. You saw it from the goal - it was a great ball in from [Luke] Shaw - and that’s good technique [from Bellingham]. He knew exactly what he was doing, the pace was on the ball and all he had to do was direct it. It was a great header - the goalkeeper had no chance.
"To score his first goal for England in a World Cup, it must be an amazing experience for himself - and his family must be very proud as well."
Ray Parlour was speaking on behalf of 888sport. Head to 888sport for the latest World Cup odds.
