Jude Bellingham’s mentality is helping drive England, says Gareth Southgate, as star tipped to become Three Lions’ best ever player

Gareth Southgate says Jude Bellingham’s ‘set a brilliant tone’ for England after his dazzling display in their 3-1 win over Italy.

On his 27th appearance for the Three Lions, Bellingham played a key role in the win that sealed England’s place at Euro 2024 in Germany next summer.

Bellingham proved his world-class status once again against ItalyCredit: Getty

Southgate has revealed just how much of a boost his mentality is for EnglandCredit: Getty

Bellingham, despite his age, is now a regular starter under Southgate and his performance at Wembley was another example as to why.

He won the penalty for Harry Kane’s first goal of the night before teeing up Marcus Rashford with a sublime assist for England’s second.

The midfielder has also demonstrated his leadership on the pitch and Southgate believes such a mentality is a huge boost to England.

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, he said: “He’s shown brilliant consistency and his mentality is helping us as a team because he’s walking towards these challenges.

“We believe we’ve taken steps forward since the World Cup, the results and performances will show that and nights like tonight are where you really have to show yourself against the big teams. He set a brilliant tone for us.”

Bellingham has received plaudits from fans, especially amid his incredible start to life at Real Madrid, where he’s scored ten goals in as many games.

Even his teammates are in awe of his quality. When Harry Maguire was asked by Sky Sports if there’s a better midfielder in the world, he responded: “No, no chance.

“Ever since he’s come and trained with the boys you could see his mentality, his physicality. He’s incredible for such a young boy to have a head on his shoulders but to be able to deal with it physically.

“He looks enormous out there and that’s a credit to him. I know for a fact he’s humble and he takes it in his stride and he’s in there happy and he’ll keep helping the team for sure.”

Bellingham’s displays for England during their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign have been key in sending them on the plane to Germany next summer.

Bellingham was crucial in the Three Lions’ first two goals on the nightCredit: Getty

He could very well be the man that makes the difference for England next summerCredit: Getty

He will likely return to Madrid and once again showcase his talent at one of the biggest clubs in world football, and talkSPORT’s Jason Cundy believes he could very well become England’s best ever player.

“Every game I see him, he’s man of the match or one of,” he said on The Sports Bar following England’s win.

“Now I’m not going to say I’ve seen every game when he was in Dortmund, I’ve seen Champions League games, I’ve seen him play against Manchester City, I’ve seen games in the Champions League with Real Madrid.

“I think there’s the potential he can go on to be the best English player ever. It’s a big statement but he’s just on a different level.”