What Jude Bellingham is really like behind the scenes after magical England display against Italy
Jude Bellingham is in the spotlight after shining for England in their 3-1 win over Italy
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England star Declan Rice has opened up on what Jude Bellingham is like behind the scenes after the midfielder's heroics for his country against Italy earlier in the week.
The 20-year-old ran the show as Harry Kane netted a brace and Marcus Rashford struck to ensure the Three Lions qualify for the European Championships in Germany next summer.
While Bellingham has talent, he has also faced accusations of arrogance in the past.
Borussia Dortmund team-mates were sometimes unhappy at the way the youngster would vent his fury at players, despite his young age.
England star Declan Rice has hailed Jude Bellingham with the youngster going from strength to strength
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But Rice has now set the record straight and insists Bellingham's own mindset is similar to his own.
"He’s one of the jokers of the team. He’s hilarious. He’s a top lad," said the midfielder.
"Honestly I can’t speak highly enough of him.
"The type of person I like to be around, we’re on the same page.
"One thing I would say about him is that he gets on with everyone.
"The lads love him, such a bright bubbly character who wears his heart on his sleeve. When things don’t go right, he says it.
"That is the biggest compliment - he is young but says how it is to better himself and better everyone."
Bellingham has enjoyed a stunning rise to the top.
And, according to the Daily Mail, a number of football sides knew the player was destined to reach the very top.
One Premier League scouting report dubbed Bellingham 'awe inspiring' when he was a teenager at Borussia Dortmund.
Another report said Bellingham was the 'best player in the Championship'.
And a third hailed his physique, saying he had 'lean, long legs' and would 'grow to have broad shoulders, comfortable handling it'.
Now the onus will be on Bellingham to stay level-headed as he continues to dazzle on the pitch.
He's still adjusting to life at Real Madrid, having joined the club from Borussia Dortmund back in the summer.
But Bellingham has already illuminated the Bernabeu by scoring 10 goals in as many matches following his blockbuster arrival.
Real knew they simply had to acquire the player this summer, even prioritising Bellingham over Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe.
Manchester City and Liverpool had also set their sights on a lucrative deal for the England international.
But Bellingham was convinced to swap Germany for the sunny shores of Spain instead.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has hailed Bellingham - and thinks he's already a superstar at the age of 20.
"Jude Bellingham is absolutely phenomenal!" he said.
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Jude Bellingham ran the show as England beat Italy to qualify for Euro 2024
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"For a 20-year-old to be consistently phenomenal is extraordinary, and consistency is the key.
"You hear so much about so many players, especially in the Premier League.
"However, one minute they are a four out of 10, then they are a nine out of 10 and then back to a four before being a nine again.
"Bellingham is an eight or nine, even 10, every week!
"Putting in performances like he did against Italy, on the top stage, week in and week out, it's mind blowing."
England star Jude Bellingham has already scored 10 goals for Real Madrid from as many appearances
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Bellingham is expected to start for Real Madrid when they lock horns with Sevilla on Saturday (5.30pm).
Los Blancos have won eight of their opening nine La Liga games to sit top of the table.
They're two points clear of minnows Girona and three ahead of fierce rivals and defending champions Barcelona.