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Jude Bellingham is the best player at the World Cup so far, says former England striker Wayne Rooney.
Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham has scored 6 goals in 6 games for England and is only two behind Frenchman Kylian Mbappe and Argentinian Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot rankings.
Norway’s Erling Haaland, who were knocked out by England in the quarter-finals, are on seven runs and Three Lions captain Harry Kane is level with Bellingham.
England will play Messi’s Argentina in the second semi-final on Wednesday (20:00 BST). The game is live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app and BBC Radio 5.
“In terms of the best in the world, I think you’re looking at someone like Mbappé or Haaland,” Rooney said. The Wayne Rooney Show.
“Bellingham hasn’t hit those levels at Real Madrid this season, but for me he’s the best player in the tournament.”
Bellingham, 23, has become a big player for England – scoring nine goals and providing three assists at the World Cup and European Championships.
Real Madrid teammate Mbappé – 12 – is the only European player to score more than 9 goals in a major competition before turning 24.
Bellingham has averaged a goal or assist every 138 minutes in England’s top competitions, compared to a goal every 284 minutes in other international matches.
In this World Cup, he scored twice in the group stage wins over Croatia and Panama, then in the knockout stages against Mexico and Norway.
“With Jude, it’s all energy, passion, passion, drive and that’s how he gets the rewards,” Rooney said.
“It’s very rare to get that. A lot of great players rely on skill and technique to get their moments. Jude has the desire and the hunger and it’s great to see a player play the hardest game but do it.
That’s what the fans want, especially England fans. They want to see players running for the team and the badge.
It reminds me that one minute you’re thinking, “This kid is brilliant,” and the next minute you’re thinking, ‘Don’t get into this mess, don’t get kicked out of the game.’
“It’s just like I am. But he’s clearly leaning towards the big race. There were doubts before but he’s put everything to bed.”
