Former England captain Wayne Rooney has described Jude Bellingham as the standout performer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising the midfielder’s energy, determination and impact for the Three Lions.
Bellingham has scored six goals at the tournament, including braces in England’s victories over Mexico and Norway.
Only Harry Kane, with four, and Gary Lineker, with three, have recorded more World Cup matches with two or more goals for England than Bellingham.
Across World Cup history, the only midfielder with more multiple-goal games than Bellingham is Peru’s Teófilo Cubillas, who achieved the feat three times.
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Manchester United striker said Bellingham has outshone every player at the tournament.
“In terms of best in the world, I think you’re looking at someone like Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland,” Rooney said.
“Bellingham hasn’t quite hit those levels at Real Madrid this season, but he’s been the best player in the tournament for me.
“With Jude, it’s all about energy, passion, desire, drive and that’s how he’s getting his rewards.
“That’s very rare to have that. A lot of these top players rely on ability and technique to get their moments. Jude has desire and hunger and it’s so refreshing to see a player playing the toughest game but also doing it.
“That’s what fans want, especially the England fans. They want to see players running and working for the team and for the badge.”
Rooney also compared Bellingham’s all-action style to his own playing days.
“He reminds me of me in terms of one minute you’re thinking, ‘this lad’s a genius’, and the next minute you’re thinking, ‘don’t go into that tackle, don’t get sent off’.
“It’s exactly how I was. But he’s obviously backing it up in the biggest tournament. There were doubters before, but he’s put all that to bed.”
Bellingham and Harry Kane have both scored six goals at the tournament, marking the first time England have had two players score at least six goals in a single World Cup.
England face Argentina on Wednesday for a place in the final, with Spain awaiting the winner.
