England talking points: Jude Bellingham scaling remarkable heights but Kalvin Phillips needs minutes
England wrapped up qualification for Euro 2024 with two matches to spare as Harry Kane’s brace helped Gareth Southgate’s side secure a 3-1 win against Italy; Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford impress but concerns over Kalvin Phillips match fitness linger
Tuesday 17 October 2023 23:26, UK
Jude Bellingham started running deep in his own half and kept on going, his legs pumping and defenders trailing in his wake as the space opened up and the Wembley crowd rose to its feet.
That sensational, surging sprint to set up Marcus Rashford's crucial, second goal as England came from behind to beat Italy and clinch their place in Euro 2024 was an exhilarating sight to behold and just the latest example of a player hitting staggering heights.
England boss Gareth Southgate said after the match: «His mentality is incredible. To show such maturity and humility at such a young age is incredible and we're lucky to have him.
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»I think he's been a catalyst. I just think the way he carries himself and the way he plays on the field shows that. He has had that since he walked through the door frankly."
Harry Maguire said afterwards there is «no chance» that any other midfielder in the world comes close to Bellingham right now and you can't really argue otherwise. Not when this one-man wrecking ball is capable of laying waste to European giants internationally as well as domestically.
What he is doing, at only 20 years old, is extraordinary. His first 10 games for Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world, have yielded 10 goals. He is yet to find that prolific streak in an England shirt but what does that matter when he is doing so much else?
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