In a stunning revelation that rewrites the recent history of English football, World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst has uncovered the pivotal family intervention that set Jude Bellingham on his path to global stardom.
The Conversation That Changed Everything
The 1966 hat-trick hero disclosed how Mark Bellingham, Jude's father, made a crucial decision that would ultimately see his son reject Manchester United in favour of German giants Borussia Dortmund. This fateful choice, driven by concerns about first-team opportunities at Old Trafford, proved to be a masterstroke in the young midfielder's development.
From Birmingham to Ballon d'Or Contention
"His dad was a policeman and was very, very influential," Hurst revealed during an exclusive interview. "He was adamant that his son was not going to go to Manchester United and not play."
This family wisdom saw Bellingham bypass the traditional Premier League route, instead embracing the Bundesliga as his proving ground. The decision paid spectacularly dividends, with the teenager flourishing in Germany before his record-breaking £88.5 million move to Real Madrid.
Hurst's Verdict on England's New Generation
The England icon didn't stop there, offering glowing praise for Gareth Southgate's current squad ahead of their Nations League campaign. "This is the best squad of players we've ever had, including my time," Hurst declared, placing the current generation above even the legendary 1966 team in terms of depth and quality.
Hurst particularly highlighted the midfield riches at England's disposal, noting the embarrassment of talent that sees Southgate able to call upon Bellingham, Phil Foden, Declan Rice, and Cole Palmer among others.
The Dortmund Development Blueprint
The German club's reputation for nurturing young English talent continues to grow, with Bellingham following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho in using Dortmund as a springboard to superstardom. Their proven track record of providing meaningful minutes to emerging stars made them the perfect destination for the ambitious teenager.
As Bellingham continues to captivate audiences at the Bernabéu and spearheads England's charge for international glory, his father's decisive intervention stands as a testament to the importance of strategic career planning in modern football.
