Micah Richards claims Jude Bellingham was outshone by another player early on in England vs Italy

Micah Richards has claimed that Jude Bellingham was outshone by another player in the early stages of England's win over Italy.

Bellingham stole the headlines for his performance at Wembley on Tuesday night, helping himself to two assists during a 3-1 win over the Azzurri which ensures the Three Lions' qualification for Euro 2024.

The Real Madrid star picked up the Player of the Match award for his contribution, and gave a brilliant interview after the game.

However, Sky Sports pundit Richards reckons Bellingham was briefly outshone by Italy and Tottenham Hotspur left-back Destiny Udogie.

“I thought Udogie the Spurs left-back, before he got his yellow card, I thought he was outstanding," Richards told The Rest Is Football podcast. "He was their threat down that left hand side.”

“He’s only 20, they got him a couple of seasons ago, got him on loan and sent him back on. He was, until he got his yellow card, the best player on the pitch,” Richards added.

Udogie, who made his full debut against England, was shown a yellow card in the 10th minute after Phil Foden intercepted a loose pass and left the 20-year-old left no choice but to bring him down.

Indeed, Udogie has been one of Tottenham's stand-out performers in the early stages of the campaign, repaying the faith Ange Postecoglou has shown in him.

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti also talked up the defender ahead of Tuesday's contest, hailing him as a player who "has everything".

"Udogie has everything," Spalletti told Sky Sport Italia (via The Metro). "Like all young players, he needs experience, but he has an important engine and in a game where physicality and strength can make the difference, he can help us."

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Topics: Micah Richards, Football, Jude Bellingham, Tottenham Hotspur, England, Italy, Euro 2024

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno