Jude Bellingham's Rise: From Squad Question Mark to Potential 'Greatest of All Time'

Just a year ago, Jude Bellingham's position in the England squad was uncertain. Now, the Real Madrid midfielder is being discussed as having the potential to become one of football's "greatest of all time."

In October 2025, Bellingham was left out of then-coach Thomas Tuchel's squad, and his World Cup prospects were called into question. Despite this, he made the squad and became arguably England's standout performer in the World Cup, finishing as the team's top scorer with seven goals as they reached the semi-finals.

Bellingham's recent performances for both club and country have demonstrated his world-class ability. His instrumental role in England's 7-0 demolition of Croatia in the Nations League, where he scored and registered a hat-trick of assists, suggested he may be reaching a new level. He even finished the match wearing the captain's armband as England inflicted the heaviest defeat in Croatia's history.

"Bellingham can go on to be one of the greatest players of all time," former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane commented on ITV after the game. "At this moment in time, he is an amazing footballer. The package – his running power, his delivery, his goal threat. The way he is progressing as a player, I still think there is a lot more to come from him."

Former England defender Matt Upson told BBC Radio 5 Live that Bellingham, who was recently voted England's player of the year for the second consecutive year, is now "nailed on as the 10" for the future. Keane further noted Bellingham's impact both with and without the ball, stating, "He has been fantastic in possession, but what he does out of possession lifts all these other players."

While England's front four, including Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Anthony Gordon, received praise for their contributions against Croatia, Bellingham's leadership was highlighted when he took the captain's armband after Kane was substituted. This marked the first time Bellingham had been directly involved in more than two goals in an England game, and he became the first player since Trent Alexander-Arnold in November 2021 to record three assists in a single match for the Three Lions.

Former England striker Ian Wright was impressed by Bellingham's offensive contributions. "When Bellingham is on the pitch, he is always driving forward and going again and again," Wright said. "He was involved in everything. His athleticism, his technical ability, his intensity. He never lets up, the way he gets in the box, he is always in there unmarked. He is always in there."

When asked by BBC Sport if Bellingham had reached another level, Tuchel responded, "Yes, at the moment it seems like it, and you always need to." He added, "It's like you can never stand still. You have to develop and you have to push for the next level, otherwise other teams will catch up."

Tuchel explained that he had made adjustments after the World Cup, giving players like Bellingham "a lot of responsibility." Bukayo Saka, who scored after receiving a high-quality assist from Bellingham, described him as "amazing tonight" and "special," expressing happiness to play alongside him.