Jude Bellingham hailed as 'leader' and 'next phenomenon' by Italian media after MOTM performance for England

Jude Bellingham has been hailed as the 'next phenomenon of world football' by Italian media following his Player of the Match performance for England.

The Three Lions ran out 3-1 winners over Italy in their Euro 2024 qualifying bout on Tuesday, and Bellingham was the star of the show.

The Real Madrid midfielder played a major role in England's opening goal, driving into the Italy box before being tripped by Giovanni Di Lorenzo.

Harry Kane did the honours, sending Gianluigi Donnarumma the wrong way from the penalty spot to level the scores.

Bellingham then inspired his country's second goal, brilliantly winning back possession on the edge of his own area, before playing a quick one-two with Phil Foden.

The former Borussia Dortmund man then looped the ball over the onrushing defender's head to set Marcus Rashford away on the counter-attack, who cut inside before burying a shot into the bottom corner.

It was a performance worthy off a standing ovation from the Wembley crowd, as the 20-year-old continues to showcase his ability on the biggest stage.

Bellingham has already been heavily praised by the English media, while fans reckon he is going to single-handedly deliver European glory.

But here's how Italian media reacted to his performance.

Publication TuttoMercatoWeb gave him a rating of 8/10 for his performance, higher than any other player on the pitch.

Discussing his contribution, they called him "a rising star in world football", claiming he "dominated" the second half.

Meanwhile, news outlet La Gazzetta Dello Sport stated that he "played as a leader and made the magic that led to the first two goals."

The report also noted Bellingham's advanced position, adding: "Bellingham made the difference by often playing more advanced than Kane, elusive in his central incursions like the one that earned the equalising penalty and propitiated the 2-1."

Finally, Tuttosport hailed the young midfielder "the next phenomenon of world football", believing his strength and decision-making proved too much for Italy.

The publication read: "A Martian at Wembley. It's Jude Bellingham, who confirms for the umpteenth time this season that he has everything to become the next phenomenon of world football.

"Real Madrid's attacking midfielder was too strong, omnipresent and decisive in the actions of the first two English goals, for an Italy which in any case does not disfigure and which with a few fewer defensive errors could have taken some points away from London."

Topics: Jude Bellingham, England, Football, 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