Bellingham is the 'best player in the world right now', says Lescott

Joleon Lescott believes hotshot Jude Bellingham can be the man to fire England to a first major trophy since 1966.

The immensely talented 20-year-old has the world as his feet and has hit the ground running since a mega £88.5million move to Real Madrid this summer.

Three Lions' fans will have endured 58 years of hurt by the time Euro 2024 rolls around next year.

But former defender Lescott reckons Gareth Southgate's side can go one better than their heartbreaking final shootout defeat three years ago against Italy.

England are out for revenge against the Italians when the sides lock horns in qualifying at Wembley on Tuesday night.

'Jude's one of the most exciting talents if not the most exciting talent in the world,' said Lescott, who was capped 26 times for his country.

'He's the best player in the world right now.

'I'm optimistic for the tournament. It will be a group of players going there with a high level of confidence.

'This is as exciting as it gets for an England fan with the quality and squad we've got.

'Jude's had a huge impact at Real Madrid and that's incredible to think from a boy who's come from Birmingham.

'As a human he's impressive as well, not just as a footballer, he's someone you can look up to and admire.

'He's carrying himself well and delivering on the pitch. He understands the game at a level he shouldn't at his age.

'Long may it continue for himself and England because he could win the Ballon D'or and that would be a huge thing for England.'

Southgate, who famously missed a penalty in the devastating Euro '96 semi-final defeat to Germany, has a string of near misses on his CV as Three Lions' boss.

The 2018 World Cup semi-final, EURO 2020 final and 2022 World Cup quarter-final are battle scars his squad will