Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on the 'fabulous' Jude Bellingham as the 19-year-old continued to impress potential suitors during England's 3-0 win over Wales on Tuesday evening.
Gareth Southgate's side secured their place at the top of Group B with a commanding win over the Dragons thanks to a brilliant brace from Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden's close-range finish. They are now due to face Senegal in the round-of-16 on Sunday December 4.
Bellingham started in midfield again alongside Declan Rice and - in a potential glance at the future, Reds fans will hope - Jordan Henderson, and it was the 19-year-old providing the attacking energy and link-up play that glued midfield and attack together. Bellingham's standout moment came in the first-half as he flicked the ball to Henderson before spinning Joe Allen and driving into the box to receive the return ball - his pass found Foden whose shot flew over.
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Speaking after the final whistle, former Manchester United defender Ferdinand lauded the teenager for another decisive and experienced performance.
“He was fabulous in spells, just the cameos he put together," Ferdinand told BBC's post-match coverage. "The skills that he has, his presence on the pitch at 19-years-old, spinning and pirouetting, it was beautiful. At times he plays with an experience that goes beyond his years. He’s somebody who right now, other players are looking at to do things and to produce moments in the game.
"He’s somebody who can play through different levels of the pitch, he's equally comfortable receiving the ball from the back four as he is marauding through the middle and being in the No.10 spot. I don't know quite yet what he's going to be, is he going to be a Steven Gerrard type, a Lampard type or a defensive midfielder?"
Alan Shearer was also present, adding: "He's got some engine on him. His energy is incredible from the first minute to the last one, trying to get up there and still trying to drive England forward."
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