Gary Neville has declared that Jude Bellingham has surpassed the World Cup achievements of Paul Gascoigne, Michael Owen, and Wayne Rooney, following the 23-year-old's match-winning performance in England's 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway. The Real Madrid midfielder scored twice in Miami to send Thomas Tuchel's side into the semi-finals, taking his tournament tally to six goals in as many games.
Bellingham's brace secures comeback win
England fell behind early when Andreas Schjelderup beat Jordan Pickford from a cross. However, Bellingham equalised just before half-time, collecting a pass from Anthony Gordon, showing superb footwork and strength to hold off defenders before finishing past Orjan Nyland. With the match locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, Bellingham struck again in extra time, pouncing on a loose ball after Nyland parried Morgan Rogers' long-range effort. Norway pushed for an equaliser but England's defence, led by Dan Burn and Djed Spence, held firm.
Neville: 'Never seen an impact like this'
Speaking on ITV after the match, Neville said: "I've seen Gascoigne go to a tournament and rip it up. I've seen Michael Owen go and do the same. I've seen, obviously Wayne Rooney in 2004. But I've never seen a player for England in my lifetime have an impact on a tournament like Jude Bellingham. This is very special, what we're watching. Absolute superstar; he's everything and more out there for England right now."
Tuchel and Bellingham react
Tuchel praised Bellingham simply: "Enough said, he does it every single match. World class." Bellingham himself credited the team's character: "Character, perseverance even when things weren't working, we found a way to win the game again. Whether it's in 90 or 120, we'll give it everything we've got." He also highlighted the contributions of substitutes Elliot Anderson, Spence, and Burn, calling them "warriors" who showed immense heart under pressure.
