Jude Bellingham turned in the kind of performance that has pundits reaching for superlatives — and, more strikingly, daring to mention him in the same breath as football's all-time greats. England's 7-0 dismantling of Croatia in the Nations League on Saturday was a statement night, and Bellingham was at the heart of it all.

The 23-year-old Real Madrid midfielder scored once and registered three assists, also collecting the captain's armband when Harry Kane was withdrawn with 20 minutes remaining. It was the first time in his international career that Bellingham was directly involved in more than two goals in a single England match — and the first player to record three assists in a game for the Three Lions since Trent Alexander-Arnold's feat against San Marino in November 2021.

Keane's bold verdict

Former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane held nothing back in his assessment on ITV after the final whistle. "Jude Bellingham can go on to be one of the greatest players of all time," Keane said. "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."

Keane also highlighted Bellingham's influence beyond moments of individual brilliance. "He has been fantastic in possession but what he does out of possession lifts all these other players," he added. "His work rate off the ball will just inspire other players. He is a huge leader for them."

A front four firing on all cylinders

England's destruction of Croatia was a collective effort as much as a personal showcase. Harry Kane struck twice, moving to 89 international goals, while Bukayo Saka also bagged a brace. Anthony Gordon contributed a goal and an assist, rounding off a clinical display that inflicted the heaviest defeat in Croatia's history.

Saka, set up by a quality Bellingham cross for his first goal, was generous in his praise afterwards. "He was amazing tonight. He deserved player of the year and he deserved man of the match tonight too. He was special," Saka said. "[I'm] happy to play with him and happy to have him in the England team."

Tuchel's 'escalator' message

England head coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged that Bellingham appears to be operating at a fresh level — and made clear that standing still is not an option at the elite end of the game. "It's like on these electric escalators," Tuchel told BBC Sport. "If you stand still, you walk against the escalator. You have to walk to even maintain your level. You have to develop and you have to push for the next level, otherwise other teams will catch up."

Tuchel added that the Nations League campaign was a chance to "move on" following England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, explaining that he had "adjusted some things" and handed players, including Bellingham, "a lot of responsibility."

From the fringes to the forefront

The turnaround in Bellingham's standing is remarkable. Just a year ago, his place in the England squad was uncertain after he was left out of Tuchel's October 2025 squad, with the head coach insisting Bellingham would receive no special treatment. He went on to feature at the World Cup, emerging as England's top scorer with seven goals as they reached the third-place finish.

Recently voted England's player of the year for the second consecutive year, Bellingham is now described as "nailed on as the 10" for England's future, according to former England defender Matt Upson, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live. Former England striker Ian Wright agreed, saying: "When Bellingham is on the pitch, he is always driving forward. His athleticism, his technical ability, his intensity — he never lets up."