BBC Sport pundit wowed by ‘absolutely stunning’ England player vs Albania
England endured arguably their toughest test in World Cup qualifying against Albania, but two quality moments unlocked the hosts.
A wicked corner delivery from Bukayo Saka was diverted past Thomas Strakosha by Harry Kane, and it was England’s record scorer who doubled their lead with a header after a dipping Marcus Rashford cross.
It wasn’t the most convincing performance from the much-changed Three Lions, as John Stones was slammed by England fans against Albania after Thomas Tuchel gave him the license to move into midfield.
But on a night where two moments of quality were the difference between the two sides, one player wanted to prove why he should be starting at the World Cup.
Stephen Warnock praises Jude Bellingham vs Albania
Jude Bellingham has endured a testing couple of months. The Real Madrid superstar was left out of Tuchel’s squad with an injury during the September international break, before missing out in October and returning in November.
Morgan Rogers started for England against Serbia ahead of Bellingham, although the 22-year-old was selected on Sunday as one of seven changes.
In a first half that lacked quality, the former Borussia Dortmund man always tried to drive his team forward with his powerful running.
He also should have added an assist when his delightful pass into Eberechi Eze opened up a brilliant chance, but the Arsenal forward fired wide.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Stephen Warnock praised Bellingham as ‘absolutely stunning’ for his pass.
“Absolutely stunning from Jude Bellingham,” Warnock said. “The ball in behind to Eberechi Eze. Eze gets it caught under his feet and he couldn’t bend it into the far corner.”
Bellingham labelled England’s ‘best player’
Bellingham didn’t enjoy his best game for England, but he was always trying to make something happen and look for the more difficult pass instead of playing it safe.
He drew three fouls, completed two successful dribbles and made two key passes against Albania, with BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel labelling him as England’s ‘best player’.
“Jude Bellingham is England’s best player,” Mokbel said during the first half.
“His ability to lose defenders and drive England up the field is so valuable.
“There’s been so much conjecture over his role ahead of the World Cup. But England only have a realistic crack at winning the tournament if Bellingham is in the starting XI.”
Considering he isn’t guaranteed to start and Kane scored twice, Bellingham isn’t England’s best player, but when he’s at his best, there’s certainly an argument to be made.