Wayne Rooney has declared Jude Bellingham the standout performer of the FIFA World Cup 2026, praising the Real Madrid midfielder's relentless drive and hunger as England prepare to face Argentina in Wednesday's semi-final.

Bellingham has been in extraordinary form, netting six goals in six appearances for England. That tally puts him level with Three Lions captain Harry Kane and two behind the leading pair in the Golden Boot race — France's Kylian Mbappe and Argentina's Lionel Messi, both on eight.

Erling Haaland, whose Norway side were knocked out by England in the quarter-finals, sits on seven. Kane and Bellingham have combined for 12 of England's 13 goals in the tournament — a level of two-man dominance unmatched by any side to have scored more than 10 goals at a single World Cup.

Rooney's verdict on Bellingham