FRIGHTENING THAT JUDE’S 19
AFTER little more than 10 minutes he turned to a section of the England supporters and told them to raise their game. Jude Bellingham is 19. Soon after, he was having a bit of a ruck with Senegal’s Krepin Diatta. Jude Bellingham is 19. At one stage, he was barking advice to Harry Kane and then to Harry Maguire, appearing to suggest they should sharpen up. Jude Bellingham is 19. Whatever unfolds from this point, this World Cup has confirmed what so many already knew – Jude Bellingham will be front and centre of the English national team.
No wonder Jordan Henderson, after applying the calmest of finishes to the midfielder’s assist, wrapped his arm around Bellingham’s shoulder, looked to the crowd and pointed at the top of the teenager’s head. This, Henderson might well have been saying, is where the crown is going.
Bellingham was not the only architect of that opening goal, Kane worthy of an honourable mention for the initial defence-opening pass.
But Bellingham’s elegant stride and control? His vision to spot Henderson haring into prime position? His left-footed reverse pass that Henderson converted without breaking stride?
Different class, different class, different class.
That Bellingham does not get an assist for England’s second is statistically criminal. There is such a thing as a pre-assist, apparently – well, this was one of the finest pre-assists you are ever likely to see.
The brave intercepting header just outside his own penalty area was just the start, the run past a challenging midfielder the appetiser for a final pass timed and delivered to Phil Foden to perfection.
Foden’s first-touch ball was confirmation of the precocious talent in this squad and Kane marked his young team-mates’ brilliance with a thumping first goal of his World Cup campaign. It was glorious.
Bellingham and England now face a far sterner challenge against France but it goes without saying the teenager will relish it.
When Foden and Saka celebrated their combination, Bellingham ambled over and patted them calmly as though he had seen it all before. Jude Bellingham is 19. Frightening.