Neville: Bellingham Is England's Superstar Now, Not the Future
Gary Neville says Jude Bellingham has become England's genuine superstar after his double against Norway sent England into a World Cup semi-final against Argentina.
Jude Bellingham has become England's genuine superstar, according to Gary Neville, who said the midfielder's display against Norway gave him goosebumps. Bellingham scored twice in England's extra-time win in the World Cup quarter-final, sending the team into a semi-final against Lionel Messi's Argentina on Wednesday.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Neville said he had never seen an England player dominate a tournament this way, comparing it to Paul Gascoigne in 1996, Wayne Rooney in 2004 and Michael Owen in 1998.
"This isn't England's next superstar. This is England's superstar right now. This is obviously game-changing."
- Gary Neville, Sky Sports pundit
Key points from Neville's comments
- Bellingham has scored six goals at the tournament.
- Neville says he has contributed at both ends of the pitch.
- England has been carried through "almost single-handedly," with support from Harry Kane.
- Neville's teenage daughters, 16 and 17, "absolutely adore him."
- He says young fans in England and abroad, including in the US, see Bellingham as a hero.
Neville admits he underestimated him
Neville also said he had underestimated Bellingham before the tournament, having rated only Harry Kane as a true world-class player.
"He's just gone and done it. He's just gone and climbed that sort of extra step."
- Gary Neville, Sky Sports pundit
He added that Roy Keane and Ian Wright told him after the Norway match that Bellingham is currently the best midfielder in the world, "and that's not because he's scoring goals."
Still room for England to improve
Despite the praise, Neville was more critical of England's overall play.
"I'd like England to be playing better. I'd like them to be combining better. But this tournament is a lot about big players turning up, and we have that."
- Gary Neville, Sky Sports pundit
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Gary Neville say about Jude Bellingham?
Neville said Bellingham is England's genuine superstar right now, not a future one, and that his display against Norway gave him goosebumps.
How did Bellingham perform against Norway?
Bellingham scored twice in England's extra-time win in the World Cup quarter-final, sending the team into a semi-final against Argentina.
How many goals has Bellingham scored at the tournament?
Bellingham has scored six goals at the World Cup so far, according to Neville.
Who does England face in the semi-final?
England face Lionel Messi's Argentina in the semi-final on Wednesday.
Did Neville have any criticism of England?
Yes. Neville said he would like England to play better and combine better as a team, though he noted the tournament has largely been about big players stepping up.
