Jude Bellingham has grown into the complete box-to-box midfielder.
Bellingham, 19, has got the world at his feet and has already underlined his huge potential on the biggest stage. England midfielder Bellingham has added goals to his game, has gained big match experience and yet one of his biggest qualities was already built in.
Gareth Southgate says Bellingham is naturally “fearless” and, despite his age, is never intimidated or overawed on the pitch even against the biggest and best opponents.
England boss Southgate spoke to the squad about being fearless before the tournament and yet, actually, did not need to worry about the youngest member of the squad.
There was Bellingham playing against Iran in the opening Group match as if he owned the pitch, running the game, spraying passes and dominated midfield while showing a maturity way beyond his years.
It is the reason why he is the hottest midfield property in Europe with Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City all keen on signing him if Borussia Dortmund decide to sell next summer. Bellingham was a part of the Euros squad last year but is now front and centre, a starter at the World Cup and is revelling in it.
Southgate said: “We've talked about that all week as a team. That's the approach we wanted to have, he's got that anyway, he's got that naturally and I think his evolution with us has been ideal for this tournament.
“He had the Euros with us, he got a feel of it, he sort of dipped his toes. He's in good form with his club. He's added goals this season with his club, and to have that additional runner from midfield is a great asset for us.
“He is such a mature boy on and off the pitch, really, and the way he also was in the right position to break the game up at the right time as well, so, look, we're really pleased with him and it's a really nice start for him as well.”
Bellingham scored against Iran but also dovetailed brilliantly with midfield partner Declan Rice as they took it in turns to protect the back four but also bomb forward to launch attacks. They also took it in turns to be the last man back and Southgate said that shows his game intelligence for such a young player.
Southgate said: “I think him and Declan, their responsibility was to track the runners from midfield, at the right times, and they did that well. I thought both of them played with a lot of maturity, they were stable in the game.
“I think our two centre-backs controlled position of the game really well, they gave us that platform to build, I liked the movement of the team and the way that we played through their pressure, which was good - but we did have that threat in behind and that was important.”
That spine of the team has given England a foundation for success. But Bellingham is also showing excellence as, in the first half, his pass completion rate was 100 per cent with 40 passes.
That is a phenomenal stat but shows his quality and what he has gained from playing week-in and week-out from the Champions League.
His decision to go to Borussia Dortmund is paying rich rewards because he has been given game time, the platform for his ability to blossom and grow which, arguably, other clubs do not give.
No other club missed out on Bellingham. They missed out on even having the chance to sign him. Dortmund are brilliant at developing young players which is just emphasised by Erling Haaland ’s progression.
As soon as Bellingham shone, Dortmund took to social media to congratulate him and the respect there is huge. If he does leave, then it will clearly be a tough decision because what they have given him - and England.
Southgate now possesses one of - and arguably THE most - exciting teenager at the tournament and he has given England an extra energy and impetus for this World Cup.
