Real Madrid Star Jude Bellingham Puts in Incredible Display for England

On the second and final Saturday of this extended international break, there was action for Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham, as England took on Croatia away from home in the UEFA Nations League, in a rematch of their opening game at the FIFA World Cup. 

Having been rested in the previous game against Czechia - where he played the final 20 minutes and wore the armband for the first time - Bellingham was reinstated to the starting line up for this one. In the Croatia XI was Real Madrid legend Luka Modric at the ripe old age of 41, partnering another former Los Blancos midfielder in Mateo Kovacic. 

After just three minutes of the game, Bellingham could have had an assist, after slipping Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon in, but his shot was saved. Not an absolutely guilt edged chance, but a presentable one all the same.

Nevertheless, five minutes later, the 23-year old would have an assist, after putting Harry Kane through on goal, with the skipper making no mistake with a ruthless finish into the roof of the net. 

Just before the midway through point of the first half, Bellingham had a goal of his own, after Gordon did really well to keep the ball alive and cut the ball back for a close range finish. Great work. A few minutes later, the roles should have been reversed, but the Barcelona man could not convert from close range after another superb ball in.

After 39 minutes, England made it 3-0, and then just before the break, a quick counter saw Bellingham and Gordon link up down the left hand side, before the Rea Madrid number five drove past Modric on the outside before excellent squaring the ball for Bukayo Saka to make it 4-0. A goal, two assists and three big chances created for the number ten in the first half. 

The Three Lions managed to rack up another two goals to make it 6-0, before ringing the changes, with a number of starters coming off, but Bellingham remained on. Then, with three minutes of normal time remaining, he registered his third assist of the game, with a supreme ball over the top for good friend Morgan Rogers, who stayed composed to round the keeper and score. 

An incredible performance from an incredible player. His stats at the end of the game read as: One goal, three assists, eight chances created, four big chances created, 6/7 accurate long balls, 108 touches, 4/6 dribbles completed, and three fouls drawn. Incredible. 

Meanwhile, right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was an unused sub, with the Real Madrid linked Jarell Quansah preferred in that position. The final game of this break for him and Bellingham will be at home to Czechia on Tuesday at 20:45 CEST.