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Jude Bellingham the GOAT! Gary Lineker believes the 2026 World Cup star could go on to become ‘England’s greatest ever footballer’.

Gary Lineker has made a striking statement about Jude Bellingham’s growing legacy, claiming that the Real Madrid midfielder is on course to be remembered as England’s finest player of all time. The 23-year-old’s exceptional performances for the Three Lions at the 2026 World Cup have drawn parallels with some of football’s most revered names.

Bellingham leading England’s charge

The praise follows another commanding display from the Real Madrid star, who now shares the top spot among England’s 2026 World Cup scorers with Harry Kane, both having netted six goals each.

Bellingham’s influence has been remarkable, particularly in the knockout stages under immense pressure. After scoring twice in England’s 3-2 triumph over Mexico in the round of 16, he repeated the feat in the 2-1 win against Norway, becoming the first English player in decades to achieve such consistency in elimination games. His knack for decisive performances on football’s biggest platform has left fans and pundits alike wondering just how far his talent can reach.

Matching Maradona and rewriting history

Bellingham has become the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score twice in consecutive knockout matches at a single World Cup. With six goals in this year’s tournament, he joins an exclusive list of English players – including Lineker in 1986 and Kane in both 2018 and 2026 – who have scored at least five goals in one World Cup edition.

Nine of Bellingham’s 12 international goals have come in major tournaments, showcasing his remarkable ability to deliver when it matters most. On ‘The Rest is Football’ show on Netflix, former England striker Lineker spoke highly of the young midfielder’s exceptional progress. “I would go as far as to say I think there’s a chance that he could well be, or end up being, England’s greatest ever footballer. And that is a big shout,” Lineker stated.

Among legends: Charlton, Kane, and now Bellingham

Lineker acknowledged that England has produced many world-class talents over the decades, but emphasised that Bellingham combines leadership, maturity, and technical brilliance in a way few others have. Since making his debut against Ireland in 2020, the midfielder has earned 54 caps and netted 12 goals for England, helping the team reach back-to-back Euro finals in 2020 and 2024. Lineker compared the Real Madrid star to 1966 World Cup winner Bobby Charlton and current captain Harry Kane while discussing England’s footballing greats.

“We’ve had some truly exceptional players. Some haven’t quite replicated their club form for the national side, but others have. When you look back at players like Bobby Charlton, he’s definitely among the best. You’d include Harry Kane in that conversation too. But for Bellingham, at his age, to be performing the way he is and dragging England forward when it counts—he’s a genuine superstar,” Lineker added.

Eyes on the semi-final showdown

Bellingham’s match-winning display against Norway has set up a thrilling semi-final encounter with Argentina, offering him yet another chance to strengthen his growing reputation. The Birmingham City academy graduate is determined to maintain his fine form and guide England to their first World Cup final since their historic triumph in 1966.