Jude Bellingham’s mentality is helping drive England, says Gareth Southgate, as star tipped to become Three Lions’ best ever player
Gareth Southgate says Jude Bellingham's 'set a brilliant tone' for England after his dazzling display in their 3-1 win over Italy.
On his 27th appearance for the Three Lions, Bellingham played a key role in the win that sealed England's place at Euro 2024 in Germany next summer.
Bellingham, despite his age, is now a regular starter under Southgate and his performance at Wembley was another example as to why.
He won the penalty for Harry Kane's first goal of the night before teeing up Marcus Rashford with a sublime assist for England's second.
The midfielder has also demonstrated his leadership on the pitch and Southgate believes such a mentality is a huge boost to England.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, he said: «He's shown brilliant consistency and his mentality is helping us as a team because he's walking towards these challenges.
»We believe we've taken steps forward since the World Cup, the results and performances will show that and nights like tonight are where you really have to show yourself against the big teams. He set a brilliant tone for us."
Bellingham has received plaudits from fans, especially amid his incredible start to life at Real Madrid, where he's scored ten goals in as many games.
Even his teammates are in awe of his quality. When Harry Maguire was asked by Sky Sports if there's a better midfielder in the world, he responded: «No, no chance.
»Ever since he's come and trained with the boys you could see his mentality, his physicality. He's incredible for such a young boy to have a head on his shoulders but to be able to deal with it physically.
«He looks enormous out there and that's a credit to him. I know for a fact he's humble and he takes it in his stride and he's in there happy and he'll keep helping
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