England’s own Galactico Bellingham puts in display worthy of 150th anniversary
This fixture has seen its fair share of greats over 150 years – but Jude Bellingham may one day be talked among the best of all time to grace it if he continues this stunning rise.
This was another night in which the Real Madrid midfielder showed he’s the showman as he helped England stick a pin in the bubble of optimism around the flying Scots.
Bellingham had a hand in all three goals as England got their 49th win over Scotland in a hostile Hampden Park.
Phil Foden scored the first while Bellingham got the second. An own goal by half-time substitute Harry Maguire gave the spirited Scots a glimmer of hope, but Three Lions captain Harry Kane got a third to ensure there was no heroic fightback.
READ MORE: England's Jude Bellingham 'must be in Ballon d'Or chat' as masterclass destroys Scotland
Bellingham stood with his arms outstretched, taking on the praise from the 2,000 or so Three Lions fans who made the trip to Hampden after he scored the second. It’s now becoming his customary celebration – he’s had plenty of chances to do this season, of course.
Bellingham’s strike was his sixth in six games for club and country so far this term. Yet he's so much more than the goals.
It’s still hard to believe he’s only 20 but he’s now starring for one of the biggest clubs in the world and an international side which has more spotlight than most. He’s only getting better, too.
Do you think Jude Bellingham is England's best player? Let us know in the comments section.
There will be below-par performances along the way given his age. If Bellingham was not at his best in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Ukraine, he was back to it here against Scotland.
This was the fixture to mark 150 years of this iconic clash between the Auld Enemies. It may have been a friendly but it had the added spice of a Scotland side on the up as they coast towards next summer’s Euros in Germany.
Enter Bellingham. Buoyed by the presence of attacking talents Foden and Marcus Rashford either side of him, he flourished to help down Steve Clarke’s men.
On the ball he was strong, his passing range opened space for the duo either side of him to prosper in. It was a short pass into Rashford which helped create the opener.
The Manchester United man cleverly clipped the ball to Kyle Walker to evade a challenge. The Manchester City defender lashed a low effort goalwards but his clubmate Foden diverted it home.
There has been a clamour for Foden to feature more for England. This was his first start since the World Cup and he didn’t miss his chance in the 32nd minute.
Rashford is another vying for more time for England. He did his hopes no harm here.
Bellingham was then involved again in the second before Foden crossed and Scotland captain Andy Robertson somehow managed to put it on a plate for that man Bellingham to get his second England goal.
Gareth Southgate's side had taken a lot of noise out of the previously raucous Hampden with two goals in three minutes.
Maguire was called upon at the break by Southgate to replace Marc Guehi at the heart of the defence. Just over 20 minutes later, he turned Robertson’s low cross into his own net.
He was then serenaded by the home crowd. Another tough night for the United defender but his blushes were spared.
Kane nestled in the third with nine minutes to go to ensure there would be no Scotland comeback. And who created it? None other than Real star Bellingham of course with a fine turn and pass. England’s very own Galactico.
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