Jude Bellingham produced a commanding individual display on Saturday as England dismantled Croatia 7-0 in the Nations League at Stadion HNK Rijeka. The result marked the heaviest defeat in the history of the Croatian national team, with the visitors asserting total dominance from the opening whistle. The 23-year-old midfielder was at the heart of the rout, scoring once and providing three assists in a performance that showcased his evolving influence on the international stage.
The contrast with his position twelve months ago is striking.
Left out of Thomas Tuchel`s squad in October 2025 amid questions over whether he would receive star treatment, Bellingham responded emphatically by finishing as England`s top scorer with seven goals during their third-place World Cup campaign. Against Croatia, he became the first English player to register three assists in a single international fixture since Trent Alexander-Arnold accomplished the feat against San Marino in November 2021. When Harry Kane was substituted with 20 minutes remaining, Bellingham took the captain`s armband, underscoring his rapid emergence as an on-pitch leader.
England`s attacking unit delivered an efficient display throughout the evening. Kane scored twice to take his international tally to 89 goals, putting the 33-year-old on the verge of equalling Peter Shilton`s all-time men`s appearance record when England face the Czech Republic at Wembley on Tuesday. Bukayo Saka also found the net twice, benefiting from a pinpoint Bellingham delivery for his opening goal, while Anthony Gordon contributed a goal and an assist to complete the comprehensive victory.
Pundits and former internationals highlighted Bellingham`s relentless industry off the ball alongside his technical contributions. Roy Keane observed after the match that the Real Madrid player possesses the qualities required to become one of the greatest footballers in history, citing his running power and delivery. Ian Wright similarly commended the midfielder`s athleticism and repeated box entries, while former defender Matt Upson described him as the definitive long-term option for England`s playmaker role.
Tuchel noted that the squad had used the fixture to move forward from their World Cup semi-final defeat against Argentina, explaining that tactical adjustments had placed significant responsibility on Bellingham`s shoulders. The manager added that continuous development remains essential if England are to prevent rival nations from closing the gap.
