World Cup 2022: Jude Bellingham tournament debut draws praise from pundits

None of the great players that we've played with and seen in England in our generation were doing what he's doing right now.

During his international career, Rio Ferdinand saw a lot of talent in front of him.

There are a lot of people, including David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, and Paul Scholes.

But 19-year-old Jude Bellingham's performance on his World Cup debut, scoring England's opening goal in a win over Iran, left the pundit in awe.

Ferdinand said that the authority that he plays with on the pitch goes beyond his years.

"I'm not saying he's better or going to be as good as all of them, but at this age none of them were doing what he was doing and it's just wonderful to see."

Bellingham made 15 entries into the final third and his pass accuracy was bettered only by John Stones.

He made 23 passes in the final third, bettering only Trippier's 25 and dispossessing the Iranians nine times.

The impact of that all-round impact in both halves of the field impressed former England players Danny Murphy and Jermaine Jenas.

"Bellingham can do it all, he's a throwback, he can really do it all."

He is similar to Frank Lampard. It's a bonus for him to be in the best shape of his life.

It's easy to forget how young he is when you watch him.

Alan Shearer commented on the show.

Shearer said that it was a complete performance from a really exciting player - it had everything, he put in the tackles, the work-rate, his passing was superb, he got his goal, it really was a special day for him.

The player's team-mates were just as interested in paying tribute to him as he was.

Trippier said that he was an unbelievable player for his age.

He is playing so well that he is not afraid. He needs to keep his feet on the ground and perform.

England's third youngest starter at a World Cup was 19-year-old Bellingham, who started at the tournament at the tender age of 146 days.

Shaw crossed for him to head home in the 35th minute to become England's second youngest World Cup goal scorer, behind Owen.

Bellingham, who has netted nine times for his club this season, said he wanted to score more goals for his country.

I believed it had missed. It took a long time to get into the goal.

In addition to scoring, Bellingham's industry set up Harry Kane to cross for Raheem Sterling to net England's third goal, and his defence-splitting pass freedCallum Wilson to tee up Jack Grealish to make it 6.

Rob Green said on Radio 5 Live that he was patrolling the pitch. Wherever the ball goes, he is there. He can find the ball at any time.

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