Wayne Rooney has compared Jude Bellingham‘s ability to ‘take the game by the scruff of the neck’ to Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane.
Bellingham broke the deadlock asEngland beat a stubborn Panama side 2-0 on Saturday evening to secure passage to the World Cup‘s knockout rounds as group winners.
The Real Madrid midfielder turned in from Bukayo Saka’s corner just after the hour, before turning provider to cross for Harry Kane to head home a second.
Bellingham’s goal was his second at the2026 World Cup, and fifth at major tournaments for England. His performance have come after scrutiny on his role in the England side ahead of the tournament.
Bellingham also scored crucial goals against Serbia and Slovakia during England’s run to the final of the 2024 European Championship and Rooney believes Bellingham’s ability to deliver in difficult moments is what sets him apart.
The ex-England captain said Bellingham’s big-game traits are comparable to former teammates Roy Keane and Steven Gerrard.
“He’s got that desire, that hunger, that you want in any player. What he’s got, he’s got that ability to take the game by the scruff of the neck,” Rooney said to theBBC.
“When it’s difficult, when it’s tight. When it’s a difficult situation. Steven Gerrard comes to mind, Roy Keane comes to mind. Your team’s struggling a little bit, you need that player that’s going to drag you through it.”
Who do England play next at World Cup 2026? Date and time for Three Lions’ Round of 32 clash
England will take on DR Congo in the last-32 of the World Cup on Wednesday, July 1st. The fixture will take place in Atlanta with kick-off scheduled for 5pm BST.
DR Congo qualified for the knockout rounds for the first time in their history as one of the eight best third-place sides.
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