sport news Jude Bellingham has the world at his feet and has has the skills to one day ... trends now
Twenty years from now, when we deliberate over the identity of England's greatest ever player, there's every chance we will conclude it is Jude Bellingham.
That's no exaggeration, nor is it an impulsive reaction to what was a breathtaking World Cup debut here at the Khalifa Stadium.
It is just a statement of fact; a realistic observation for an impressive young man who has the world at his feet.
Jude Bellingham could one day be spoken of as one of England's greatest-ever players
The box-to-box dynamism of Steven Gerrard, an eye for goal akin to Frank Lampard and the passing range of Paul Scholes. The total package. He knows it, too.
Not in an arrogant way, but in a manner that exudes confidence in his ability.
Bellingham had just scored his first goal for England and it just so happened to arrive on his debut in football's most famous competition. Not that you would have known it judging by his reaction.
There was no frenzied celebration from Bellingham. Stony-faced, he merely jogged off to the corner flag before raising his arms aloft to receive the adulation of England's fans. Almost as if this was an everyday occurrence.
It was the measure of a teenager who continues to show maturity way beyond his 19 years.
It was the mark of a man - if we can call him that - who knows he belongs on the biggest stage of all. Luckily for us, he's English.
The 19-year-old was entirely unphased by the occasion whilst making his World Cup debut
It wasn't just Bellingham's goal that set him apart here. Inside two minutes he was collecting the ball before arrowing a pinpoint 40-yard pass into Kieran Trippier's path.
Moments later he was effortlessly evading the attentions of Iran's midfield with a subtle drop of his shoulder before rapping another ball into Luke Shaw.
In the 55th minute, with the game already won as England poured forward in search of a fourth, Bellingham
