Arabic version: بيلينغهام يتألق وإنجلترا تسحق كرواتيا 7-0

According to BBC News, Jude Bellingham scored once and supplied three assists as England dismantled Croatia 7-0 in the Nations League in Rijeka. The Real Madrid midfielder, 23, finished the match wearing the captain’s armband as England inflicted the heaviest defeat in Croatia’s history.

Bellingham became the first England player to record three assists in a match since Trent Alexander-Arnold against San Marino in November 2021. He was directly involved in more than two England goals in a game for the first time, while Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka each scored twice and Anthony Gordon scored and assisted.

Former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane said on ITV that Bellingham could become “one of the greatest players of all time”. Keane praised his running power, delivery, goal threat and work rate without the ball, saying the midfielder’s leadership and effort could inspire team-mates.

England manager Thomas Tuchel said Bellingham appeared to have reached another level, but added that players must keep developing. Tuchel said he had adjusted some things after England’s World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina and given players, including Bellingham, substantial responsibility. Former England defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live that Bellingham is “nailed on as the 10” for the future.

Saka called Bellingham “amazing” and said he deserved both England player of the year and man of the match recognition. Bellingham was recently voted England’s player of the year for the second successive season. England face the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday, when Kane can equal Peter Shilton’s all-time England men’s appearance record.