Bellingham was tipped for the path to greatness in a dossier at the age of 16

‘Only 16 - but awe inspiring. He is around 6ft 1in, very athletic, long legs and huge feet,’ read a Premier League scouting report of Portsmouth’s 3-0 EFL Cup victory over Birmingham City on August 6, 2019. Sound familiar?

The dossier continues: ‘He is still developing physically but has the frame to be a huge presence and graceful runner. Moves naturally.

‘Long strides. Has a fantastic mentality, is intelligent in finding space to receive possession. Gets between the lines and pulls wide.

'Made plenty of runs, rarely gave the ball away. When he did, he quickly sprinted back.

‘Never panicked on the ball, took it away from pressure and could use his body.

‘Threw himself into a few challenges and got a yellow card for a heavy tackle.

‘Huge potential, only 16 and already able to go toe to toe with Portsmouth’s first team. Sign, develop, send on loan.

'In 18 months he will play in our team.’

Answer: Jude Bellingham - world football’s new superstar. And he’s English.

Ten goals in 10 games since joining Real Madrid for a fee that will rise above £100million in the summer.

And now THAT performance against Italy on Tuesday night as England sealed Euro 2024 qualification. Only 20 but already world class.

Fast-forward four years and the above extract analysing his performance at Fratton Park on his senior debut reads so accurately.

That said, it was impossible not to recognise the talent.

Another club told Mail Sport they’d compiled more than 60 Bellingham recruitment files.

‘Good vision, good monitor,’ read the analysis of Bellingham’s performance when he played against Luton at St Andrews on October 26, 2019.

'Great physique already, lean, long legs, will grow to have broad shoulders, comfortable handling it,’ read another of Birmingham’s