adminEvery time Jude Bellingham steps onto the pitch in an England jersey, his deep pride in representing his nation is unmistakable.
As the 2026 World Cup approached, some voices in the media attempted to cast doubt on his character and stir unnecessary controversy around the Real Madrid star. Accusations of arrogance surfaced, with some even suggesting he didn’t warrant a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
Bellingham hasn’t just answered his detractors—he’s made them look foolish with a series of brilliant performances. His display at the Azteca in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico stands as one of the finest individual showings by any English player in history.
There may come a day when the 23-year-old is recognized as the finest footballer in the country. He embodies everything you want in an England star and is walking a path blazed by legends who left an indelible mark on the game.
Jude Bellingham Among England’s All-Time Greats
When his country has needed him most, Bellingham has risen to the occasion. His two goals against Mexico propelled the Three Lions into the quarter-finals. Yet he hasn’t carried that burden alone—Harry Kane has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament as well.
Kane netted the decisive penalty as Tuchel’s side, reduced to ten men, held on to defeat Mexico at the Azteca. Watching the duo perform at such an elite level has filled every England supporter with pride.
For many fans, Kane now stands alongside icons like Sir Bobby Charlton and Wayne Rooney in the conversation for England’s greatest-ever player. Bellingham echoed that sentiment after a 2-1 Round-of-32 win over DR Congo:
“I have built a good relationship with Harry over the last four or five years, especially after the Qatar World Cup, playing so close together. It is an honour to play with him. For me, he is the best England player of all time. He is the one who has showed up more than any other player.”
Kane struck twice in the comeback victory against the Congolese, once again carrying his nation on his shoulders. He arrived at the World Cup on the heels of a record-breaking goal-scoring season with Bayern Munich.
Bellingham added: “It is quite easy to play with him, he is at a level which is just incredible. You don’t doubt him at all. Whether he is involved or not, he is going to make a difference.”
Kane has already cemented his place in history as England’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Rooney’s record when he netted his 54th goal back in March 2023.
‘I’m Not Sure’ – Wayne Rooney on Harry Kane
Rooney, who has been both a teammate and rival of Kane’s, regards him as England’s finest number nine. However, the former Manchester United captain stopped short of declaring him the outright best overall player.
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents in September 2025, Rooney said: “As a player, I’m not sure. I think I could do things which potentially he couldn’t. I was nastier than him as well. In terms of goalscoring, he creates goals. People say, ‘Oh, he’s scored against San Marino or this team.’ He scores every game. Does he play well all the time? No, but for me he’s above everyone.”
Another factor that keeps some from anointing the 32-year-old as England’s ultimate great is the absence of a major international trophy. He has collected runners-up medals in two European Championship finals and reached a World Cup semi-final.
Should Kane end his international career with a winners’ medal, he would join the pantheon of English football royalty whose brilliance was backed by silverware. Charlton is often held as the benchmark, and that reputation rests not only on his artistry but also on the 1966 World Cup triumph.
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