Jude Bellingham basked in Raheem Sterling’s sterling display for England against Iran at the World Cup.
Speaking to ITV after the Three Lions destroyed their opponents 6-2, Bellingham rightly gave the Chelsea attacker a shout-out for his performance.
Both Sterling and the Borussia Dortmund midfielder enjoyed an unforgettable afternoon in the Qatar heat.
Bellingham started the rout with a dainty header just after the half an hour mark.
He bossed the game from virtually the first whistle, and was the name on everybody’s lips once the game concluded.
But the match was not won singlehandedly by the teenager, although he probably would’ve given it a good go.
Gareth Southgate’s side offensive players especially stuck to their duties brilliantly.
Sterling superb for England
Sterling was a standout from the numerous forwards that entered the fray at various points.
The 27-year-old scored England’s third of the tie, stabbing home smartly from Harry Kane’s cross.
He then provided the assist for Bukayo Saka’s second, an incisive pass proceeding a smart run.
Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish rounded off the emphatic victory, with all of the scorers or assisters praised by Bellingham.
“Everyone was brilliant to be honest. There were some really big performances all over the pitch,” he said.
“Skipper (Kane) gets two assists. Callum Wilson comes of the bench at gets an assist. Jack scored, so happy for Jack. Rashy and Bukayo obviously what they faced at the last major tournament.
“And then obviously Raheem doing what he always does for England, despite all the talk.”
Sterling has suffered at Chelsea
All the talk is in reference to the criticism Sterling faced pre-World Cup for his concerning Chelsea career.
He himself will be the first to admit his move from Manchester City to Stamford Bridge hasn’t quite been all glitz and glam.
It’s instead stuttered and spluttered since that change of scenery in September.
Goals and general displays of brilliance have been difficult to come by.
Whenever Sterling pulls on an England journey, however, the story changes entirely.
Perhaps the World Cup can help Raheem rediscover his finest form.
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