Gary Lineker says Jude Bellingham could become England’s greatest-ever player

Gary Lineker believes Jude Bellingham has the potential to become the best footballer in England’s history after another outstanding international performance.

The Real Madrid midfielder has been one of the leading figures during the current international break, producing a series of impressive displays for an England side managed by Thomas Tuchel. Bellingham also led England’s midfield during the most recent World Cup finals, where he scored seven goals.

That tally placed him third in the tournament’s scoring charts, behind only Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi, while he finished level with Erling Haaland.

Bellingham had already started the Spanish league season strongly with Real Madrid and has continued to improve during England’s latest matches. He was his team’s best player in the meeting with Spain before making only a brief appearance against Czech Republic as part of a rotation policy.

He then delivered a decisive performance in England’s 7-0 victory over Croatia, scoring once and creating three further goals.

The display earned widespread praise in England, including from former international Gary Lineker. Speaking on the podcast The Rest Is Football, Lineker said Bellingham could ultimately reach the highest level in the country’s football history.

Micah Richards offered a more measured assessment during the same programme, saying: “I don’t think he has Cole Palmer’s talent or Phil Foden’s touch, but I think he deserves to be rated nine out of 10 in every other area. His confidence is 10 out of 10; he completely believes in everything he does.”

Lineker disagreed with Richards’ view of Bellingham’s technical ability.

“I don’t agree with you on that point,” Lineker said, as reported by the Catalan newspaper Sport. “Jude’s ability to control the ball is incredible. The way he turns and gets past players… I think Jude could end up becoming the best player in England’s history.”

Bellingham’s form has made him one of the central figures in England’s recent performances, with his influence extending beyond goals and assists. Against Croatia, his contribution included both scoring and creating opportunities, while his display against Spain further underlined his importance to Tuchel’s side.

His performances for Real Madrid at the start of the season had already established a strong platform, and that level has now carried into international football. Lineker’s prediction places Bellingham’s current progress in the context of England’s most celebrated players, although it remains a long-term possibility rather than an achievement already secured.