World Cup

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World Cup | Last 16

Dec 4, 2022 at 7pm UK

Al Bayt Stadium

England
3 - 0
Senegal

Henderson (38'), Kane (45+3'), Saka (57')

FT(HT: 2-0)

Koulibaly (76')

Phil Foden: 'Jude Bellingham will be the best midfielder in the world'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 05 December 2022

England attacker Phil Foden believes that Jude Bellingham will become the best midfielder in the world after the 19-year-old's eye-catching performance against Senegal.

England attacker Phil Foden has claimed that teammate Jude Bellingham will end up being "the best midfielder in the world" after his eye-catching performance against Senegal.

The Borussia Dortmund starlet has been a mainstay of the England midfield at the 2022 World Cup alongside Declan Rice and was lauded by fans and pundits alike on Sunday evening.

Bellingham formed a midfield trident with Rice and Jordan Henderson for the Three Lions' last-16 clash with Senegal, who succumbed to a 3-0 defeat to Gareth Southgate's side.

Senegal initially gave England a couple of scares as the Three Lions made a string of errors, but Bellingham picked out Henderson for the opening goal in the 38th minute.

The 19-year-old then played a major part in England's second just before the break, driving forward and laying off Foden, who in turn found Harry Kane to fire home.

England's Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring their first goal pictured on November 21, 2022 © Reuters

Bukayo Saka added a third for England following a pass from Foden, who also impressed with a pair of assists, but the Manchester City man was quick to insist that Bellingham would become a world-beater in his position.

Speaking to ITV Sport after the game, Foden said: "I don't want to big up Jude Bellingham too much because he's still young, but he's one of the most gifted players I've ever seen.

"I don't see a weakness in his game. He's got everything, and he's going to be the best midfielder in the world, for sure."

Bellingham has gone from strength to strength since leaving Birmingham City for Dortmund in the summer of 2020, and his future is already dominating the talk of the transfer market ahead of next summer.

The likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for Bellingham, who lamented "ridiculous" criticism of Henderson after the Liverpool man's opening goal against Senegal.

Jordan Henderson celebrates scoring for England against Senegal on December 4, 2022 © Reuters

"The first 35 minutes were tough. They were really compact, high-energy, athletic. They got in a few times down the sides, and it was one of those games when we needed to get the first goal. We knew when we did we would be in a good position," Bellingham added.

"The goal was really well worked. [Henderson] had a brilliant performance today. I see some of the rubbish that was said about him playing.

"Honestly, it's ridiculous. He's so underrated technically, and he's delivered again in a big game with a massive goal, so I think it's time he gets a bit of respect."

Bellingham will be expected to keep his place in the starting lineup when England take on reigning champions France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup on Saturday evening.

The teenager is contracted to Borussia Dortmund until 2025, and the Bundesliga giants are reportedly after at least £129m to part ways with him in the summer of 2023.