Echegaray: Bellingham is an absolute star (1:46)Luis Echegaray is impressed by Jude Bellingham’s performance in the England round of 16 win against Senegal. (1:46)
AL WAKRAH, Qatar — When England arrived back at their Al Wakrah base in the early hours of Monday morning after beating Senegal 3-0 in the World Cup round of 16, they were greeted by what has become a customary welcome party of dancing hotel staff and loud music. Jack Grealish shuffled in delight; Mason Mount‘s beaming smile lit up the room. Somewhere in the melee, Jude Bellingham politely, but pointedly just walked straight through, saying “I’ve got no moves.”
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The rest of the world would disagree. In fact, it’s virtually the only time Bellingham has not taken centre stage since arriving in Qatar. Ahead of a quarterfinal meeting with defending champions France on Saturday, the 19-year-old is threatening to become the tournament’s breakout star, revolutionising England’s midfield with a series of dynamic displays, all while appearing delightfully oblivious to the magnitude of the occasion.
Bellingham was hardly an unknown prior to this World Cup, having progressed rapidly in the past 2 1/2 years at Borussia Dortmund. His maturity was recognised in October by being named captain for multiple matches and becoming the youngest skipper ever to score in the Champions League against Sevilla.
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