Pundit makes huge Jude Bellingham claim after Micah Richards assessment | OneFootball

Gary Lineker has praised Jude Bellingham following his latest displays for England.

Bellingham has been one of England’s standout players in the opening three games of the 2026/27 Nations League.

The 23-year-old produced a man-of-the-match display against Croatia, bagging one goal and three assists.

Despite his form, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards believes Bellingham is not a complete midfielder. He has highlighted two flaws in his game.

“Jude Bellingham doesn’t have the flair of Cole Palmer or the touch of Phil Foden,” he told The Rest Is Football podcast.

“In everything else, he is a nine out of ten. And his confidence is ten out of ten. Whatever he does, he believes in it.”

However, Lineker strongly disagreed with Richards’ assessment of the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder.

“I disagree with you here – Jude’s touch is unbelievably good,” Linker said. “The way he turns and beats people. I believe Jude could end up as England’s greatest player.”

Bellingham has been named England’s Men’s Player of the Year for the past two years. He has stepped up in major tournaments.

He was named in the 2026 World Cup Best XI after finishing the tournament as the third-highest goalscorer.

Bellingham could lay a claim to being one of England’s best-ever players if he leads them to a major tournament triumph.

The 2028 European Championship, co-hosted by England, will give Bellingham a major opportunity to boost his reputation.