Rooney makes Bellingham request after starring role in England win over Italy

Wayne Rooney says England need to throw a protective arm around Jude Bellingham.

The former Three Lions’ great has called upon the country to ‘get behind’ a player he regards as a future England captain. Rooney, preparing for his first game as Birmingham City’s new boss at Middlesbrough, said the 20-year-old could end up being the best England has ever produced.

But he cautioned against the Real Madrid star being ‘killed’ if he suffers a dip in form.

Rooney said: “What he’s doing is incredible. He showed his ability and maturity by taking a gamble and going to Dortmund - and it was a gamble. Then, to go to the next level at Real Madrid and start the season the way he has with England, it’s been great.

“He’s in such a good run of form. At the minute, he’s one of the best players in the world. He’s in purple patch.

“In my eyes, he’s a future captain. He’s really impressed with how he handles himself, how he speaks, how he plays - he’s a leader already - at the age of 20.

“But I think what’s important is that he will have a dip and it’s important we don’t kill him when that happens. It will happen. Jude has the potential to be one of, if not, the best if he keeps going the way he is.

“But we have to support him.”

Rooney said it was important that England’s supporters rallied around the likes of Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford too.

He added: “It’s difficult for any player when you have a dip in form or issue off the pitch. It’s hard to blank out the noise. Jude’s at Real Madrid. One bad game and they could be on you.

“There’s a lot of pressure playing for England as well. So when he does suffer a dip, let’s get behind him and the other players.

“Like Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire - he’s been great for England. He’s been great.