​After two disappointing seasons with Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham is once again showcasing his peak form as he continues to shine for England at the World Cup 2026. The midfielder, whose place in the English squad for this tournament was once in doubt, is proving to be the most influential figure for his country. His importance was on full display last night when he struck twice to help England overturn a one-goal deficit and secure a win over Norway in extra time. With this brace, he propelled Real Madrid into the record books as the club whose players have netted the most goals in a single World Cup campaign, reaching 19.
Moreover, these two goals, which raise his tally in the tournament to six, place him, alongside Gary Lineker and Harry Kane, in a rare group of only three English players to score more than five goals in a World Cup. As ESPN noted, one of these two players who shares that lofty company with him is Gary Lineker, and the former England forward had particularly strong words of praise for the Real Madrid midfielder during an appearance on The Rest is Football podcast. Lineker did not hesitate to suggest that Bellingham could become England’s greatest-ever footballer, describing the possibility as a “big shout” but not ruling it out.
“I would go as far as to say I think there’s a chance that he could well be, or end up being, England’s greatest ever footballer,” Lineker said. “We’ve had some really great players. Some of them have not necessarily done it for their country, others have… Go back to people like Bobby Charlton, obviously, I would say would have to be up there.” He added, “You would put Harry Kane in that bracket and there are other players as well, but I think at this age, to be doing what he’s doing and grabbing England by the scruff and getting them over the line, that is superstar.”
There is no doubt that Jude Bellingham has emerged as one of the standout performers of this World Cup. His continued success could restore his confidence if it has wavered during the past few seasons. For Real Madrid’s new coach, Jose Mourinho, these performances will be encouraging, yet he will need to devise a system that maximizes Bellingham’s unique talents while also accommodating the needs of the club’s other high-profile stars. Balancing Bellingham’s ascending influence with the team’s broader tactical requirements will be crucial if Madrid is to capitalize on his form and sustain progress across both domestic and European competitions. As the tournament unfolds, the English midfielder’s influence on English football’s reputation and Madrid’s strategic plans remains a focal point for fans and analysts alike, with expectations mounting that his World Cup exploits could translate into long-term success at the club level.