Merson says Bellingham is England's X-factor to end silverware drought in 2024
Paul Merson says Jude Bellingham is England's X-factor and insists it is time for Gareth Southgate's side to end the country's wait for silverware and win Euro 2024.
England produced a scintillating comeback to beat Italy 3-1 at Wembley and secure their place at Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate's side, needing only a point to qualify for next summer's tournament, fell behind to Gianluca Scamacca's early opener, but captain Harry Kane led the response, converting a penalty then scoring a clinical second after a breakaway strike from Marcus Rashford.
England were again indebted to Kane's goalscoring heroics as he took his international tally to 61, but Jude Bellingham was the real star, winning the penalty for the equaliser then producing a sensational burst of pace to set up Rashford for the second.
The 20-year-old received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the closing stages, with Southgate saying afterwards: "His mentality is incredible. To show such maturity and humility at such a young age, we're lucky to have him."
Speaking to Sky Sports, Merson lauded Bellingham's performance, and his displays so far this season for Real Madrid and England, saying he is years ahead of his time. He also believes England's players are now the envy of the world and thinks Southgate's side must now end their long wait for silverware, starting at Euro 2024 next summer.
Jude Bellingham is absolutely phenomenal!
For a 20-year-old to be consistently phenomenal is extraordinary, and consistency is the key.
You hear so much about so many players, especially in the Premier League. However, one minute they are a four out of 10, then they are a nine out of 10 and then back to a four before being a nine again.
Bellingham is an eight or nine, even
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