Bellingham: Rice and I could be perfect pair

TEENAGE sensation Jude Bellingham has insisted that he can strike up a perfect partnership with Declan Rice at the World Cup.

The 19-year-old continues to impress at Borussia Dortmund and looks primed to be given the nod by Gareth Southgate in England’s preferred starting XI.

Dortmund boss Edin Terzic claimed earlier this week that Bellingham and Rice are the obvious future of English football, having coached Rice while assistant at West Ham.

‘Declan is someone I admire a lot,’ said Bellingham. ‘He’s a top, top player. He is really good at what he does — he masters his craft, the type of midfielder he is, he’s one of the very best.

‘I’ve played with him a few times now for England and it’s been a pleasure. He allows me to do the things that I want to do with the ball, going forward, trying to get in and around the box, he gives you protection, so I think we complement each other very well.’

Bellingham’s stock is rising with each passing week and the midfielder has already netted eight times this season. He is interesting the biggest clubs in Europe, including Real Madrid, Liverpool and Tuesday’s Champions League opponents Manchester City.

‘In all honesty, I’m not thinking about it,’ added Bellingham. ‘I know you’ll be angry at me that you can’t get a headline but I’m focused completely on Borussia Dortmund, I’m not thinking about next summer. I’m not even thinking about the World Cup.

‘You’re not thinking, “In a few weeks’ time I could be playing at a World Cup!” Maybe when the time comes, there will be some nerves — that’s natural — but I am not thinking about what a World Cup is going to be like.

‘I’m not holding back on any tackles — I’ve got a job to do, haven’t I? And I am going to do it to the best of my abilities.’