Bellingham reaches new level as England rout Croatia 7-0 in Nations League

Jude Bellingham was instrumental as England beat Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka in the Nations League on Saturday, scoring and providing three assists in the victory.

Just a year earlier Bellingham's place in the England squad was uncertain after being left out of Thomas Tuchel's team in October 2025 and having his World Cup spot questioned, with Tuchel saying he "wouldn't get star treatment"; he did make the World Cup squad, finished as England's top scorer with seven goals as they reached the semi-finals and finished third, and was recently voted England's player of the year for the second year running.

In Rijeka the 23-year-old both scored and registered a hat-trick of assists, and he became the first England player to record three assists in a game since Trent Alexander-Arnold against San Marino in November 2021; it was also the first time Bellingham had been directly involved in more than two goals in a single England match.

Former Manchester United and Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane offered high praise after the game, saying: "Bellingham can go on to be one of the greatest players of all time. 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 is now "nailed on as the 10" for the future.

Ian Wright highlighted Bellingham's work rate and movement into the box, saying: "When Bellingham is on the pitch, he is always driving forward and going again and again. 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." Team-mate Bukayo Saka, who scored twice, said: "He was amazing tonight. He deserved player of the year and he deserved man of the match tonight too. He was special. [I'm] happy to play with him and happy to have him in the England team."

Thomas Tuchel was asked if Bellingham had reached another level and replied: "Yes, at the moment it seems like it, and you always need to. 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 said the display was a way to "move on" after the World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, that he had "adjusted some things" following the tournament and that he had given players, including Bellingham, "a lot of responsibility." Tuchel has started Bellingham over Morgan Rogers during and after the World Cup.

England's front four combined to dismantle Croatia's defence: Harry Kane scored twice and moved to 89 goals for his country, Bukayo Saka also scored twice, and Anthony Gordon both scored and provided an assist.

Kane will be back in the spotlight on Tuesday when he can equal Peter Shilton's all-time England men's appearance record against the Czech Republic at Wembley.