Micah Richards stunned by what Jude Bellingham did for England vs Ireland
Jude Bellingham was hailed as “exceptional” for England in their 5-0 thrashing of the Republic of Ireland on Sunday night, by Micah Richards on the Rest is Football podcast.
The Real Madrid midfielder played the full 90 minutes of that win at Wembley on 17 November, which gave Lee Carsley the perfect end to his time in interim charge of the Three Lions.
It was Bellingham who drew the foul in the penalty from Liam Scales that saw the Ireland defender sent off for a second bookable offence.
Harry Kane would then dispatch the spot kick to put England 1-0, in what proved to be the game-changing moment but it was the Birmingham City academy product who delighted Richards.
Speaking about the 21-year-old’s performance against Ireland on the podcast he presents alongside Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, he said: “I did think Jude Bellingham was exceptional. I just think, even if he doesn’t play a clever pass, he just finds a way to get on the ball.
“Whether it’s driving on it, whether it’s getting on it in tight areas, whether it’s his pressing. When Harry Kane comes really deep he’s the one who goes, and who tries to go in behind.
“I wouldn’t say he’s back to his best, but he’s got his confidence back I think, and he’s playing with a real swagger, the Bellingham that we know and love, I just thought he was the best player on the pitch by far.”
Jude Bellingham’s performance was a welcome one for England and Real Madrid
Football Insider Opinion
It will be something of a relief for both club and country that Bellingham turned in a performance worthy of such praise on Sunday evening, with a key role in the crucial turning point on the night.
Having enjoyed a remarkable 2023/24 campaign, winning the Champions League under Carlo Ancelotti and starring on the run to the Euro 2024 final with the Three Lions, his start to this season has been a much quieter one for the 21-year-old, both with Madrid and England.
Given how important he has proven to be for both teams, that will have been something of a concern for all parties.
Against Ireland though, Bellingham did seem to provide a reminder of just what he is capable of doing when on top form.
Of course, there will be games he plays for both club and country in the near future, that will be against much tougher opposition.
Even so an improved performance for England on Sunday should provide the former Borussia Dortmund man with the foundations to progress back towards his top form.
Consequently this does have to be seen as a step in the right direction, that can at least give fans of both the Three Lions and Madrid cause for excitement when it comes to the young star.
In other news, England fans have given their thoughts on Lee Carsley getting the Three Lions job permanently.
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