Alex Scott has lavished praise on Jude Bellingham following the midfielder’s outstanding run of performances for England in the Nations League, admitting he has “never seen anything like” what the Real Madrid star has produced.
Bellingham was among England’s standout performers at the World Cup, scoring seven goals — more than any other Three Lions player — while also providing one assist.
The midfielder has continued his impressive form in the Nations League, starring in each of England’s opening three matches and delivering a particularly memorable display in their 7-0 victory over Croatia.
Bellingham was directly involved in more than two goals in an England match for the first time, scoring once and providing three assists.
He also became the first England player to register three assists in a single game since Trent Alexander-Arnold achieved the feat against San Marino in November 2021.
Scott made his first England start in that match and had a close-up view of Bellingham’s performance.
“Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like it,” Scott said.
“He’s even better in person, seeing it up close and being on the same pitch as him. He’s the best midfielder in the world, one of the best players in the world for sure and a great human being.
“Everyone knows that – the fans know that; everyone in the world knows what he’s like as a person.
“On the pitch, his ability is scary, and that’s the benchmark we need to live up to.
“I’m the same age as him, but for me, he’s a role model figure for young English players.”
Scott also impressed on his first England start, lining up alongside Elliot Anderson in midfield and playing 70 minutes before being substituted.
England manager Thomas Tuchel praised the 23-year-old for his display and suggested that Scott could challenge Declan Rice for a starting place in the midfield going forward.
However, Scott will miss England’s final match of the international break against Czechia after withdrawing from the squad with a thigh injury.
He reportedly felt the problem before the Croatia match, with media reports indicating that the quadriceps injury could keep him out for six to eight weeks.
Tuchel will also be without defender Ezri Konsa, who has returned to his club early to receive treatment for an injury.
England currently sit second in Group A3, three points behind leaders Spain, ahead of their meeting with Czechia.
The Three Lions have never lost to Czechia at Wembley, winning six and drawing two of their eight previous encounters at the stadium. Their most recent meeting there ended in a 1-0 England victory during the Euro 2020 group stage.
