Featured Image Credit: Channel 4
Topics: Jude Bellingham, Steven Gerrard, Borussia Dortmund, England
Josh Lawless
Topics: Jude Bellingham, Steven Gerrard, Borussia Dortmund, England
Jude Bellingham and Steven Gerrard starred in a brilliant interview after England beat Ukraine 2-0 at Wembley.
Another strike from captain and newly crowned record goalscorer Harry Kane put the Three Lions 1-0 up before Bukayo Saka curled in a stunning effort.
It followed up the 2-1 win over Italy in Naples on Thursday and means England have started off the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with maximum points from their first two games.
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Bellingham started both games and impressed again with two consecutive all-action midfield displays. After the game he was whisked in for an interview with Channel 4 as part of their post-match coverage.
The Borussia Dortmund sensation stood right next to former England captain Gerrard, a player who he has regularly named as one of his footballing role models.
At first you could tell the 19-year-old was a little starstruck as he told Gerrard how big an influence he was on him.
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He said: "I'm nervous now! Definitely. The things that Stevie could do, the teams he played for, the way he could carry a team, the way he could single-handedly win a game. He could do everything as a midfielder.
"I've said it multiple times how I've looked up to you and your game. It's a pleasure to be stood here right now."
Bellingham has drawn comparisons with Gerrard for just how complete a midfielder he is, able to affect the game in both defending and attacking with equal success.
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And Gerrard spoke about him so glowingly, even going as far as saying that Bellingham has surpassed where he was at as a 19-year-old at Liverpool because of his physique and fearlessness.
Gerrard stated: "Let me tell you, you're a lot further ahead than I was at your age. So you're going in the right direction, that's for sure.
“Well, for one he's got a better body than what I had at 19. No, I'm being serious! I never had that power and strength until I was 22 or 23.
“So he's definitely more physically developed than me. He's more confident than me on the ball - in terms of trying stuff. I'm not just saying that to be modest, but I think he's further on than what I was at 19.
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“Don't get me wrong, I got to where I wanted to get to, and he's going to get to where he wants to if he keeps doing what he's doing. He's in a fantastic place. He just needs to keep playing well, keep playing well and everything else will take care of itself.”
Bellingham has been heavily linked with Liverpool but it's emerged that the Reds are "increasing unlikely" to sign him as the race heats up ahead of the summer transfer window.