Jude Bellingham has been hailed by the Spanish press as arguably the best player in the world following his imperious display in England's 7-0 demolition of Croatia in Rijeka. The Real Madrid midfielder, wearing the captain's armband after Harry Kane was substituted in the second half, delivered a hat-trick of assists and scored himself as the Three Lions inflicted Croatia's heaviest ever defeat.
Bellingham leads by example
The 23-year-old returned to the starting line-up on Saturday after being rested for Tuesday's game against Czechia, coming on in the 70th minute of that match. He quickly justified Thomas Tuchel's decision by setting up Kane's early opener with a through ball.
Bellingham then scored in the 21st minute before a sublime piece of play in the box set up Bukayo Saka for a tap-in just before half-time. His third assist arrived in the 87th minute, a through ball from deep to Morgan Rogers, who rounded the keeper.
Spanish media reaction
His display caused a stir in Spain, where he has played his club football since 2023. Madrid-based publication Marca claimed that, since his standout performances at the World Cup, Bellingham "hasn't been far from being the best player in the world."
AS described him as "a standout player" during the game, running with the headline: "Bellingham causes an embarrassment." Mundo Deportivo echoed that feeling, writing: "Bellingham was another standout, along with Kane and Saka."
SPORT wrote: "England were in their element, playing brilliant football and thrashing Croatia. Bellingham provided the magic." Goal's Spanish site gave the midfielder a 9/10 match rating, praising "a virtuoso performance from the Real Madrid star. His ability to break lines with his dribbling was the driving force behind England's success."
La Razon summed up the performance: "Bellingham assisted, orchestrated and scored. He made the difference, especially in the first half when the game was still up in the air."
Remarkable form continues
Bellingham had starred in England's summer World Cup campaign, scoring seven goals as Tuchel's men finished third. He has maintained that form with three goals and three assists for his club so far this season, plus five goal involvements in the Nations League.
