Jude Bellingham says he will “wait his turn” for the England captaincy following another fine display for his country, this time against Ukraine.
Bukayo Saka starred as he scored one and set the other up for England captain Harry Kane as Gareth Southgate’s team took control of their qualifying group.
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Bellingham – stationed in midfield alongside Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice – was another to stand out as he put in another composed performance in his 22nd start for his country.
The midfielder – still aged just 19 – has been earmarked as future captain material and speaking after the match, he said that it is the biggest honour in football to captain your country.
However, he also tempered expectations, telling Channel 4 he respected those ahead of him in the queue.
“That would be the biggest dream, and the biggest honour in football I think is to captain your country,” said Bellingham.
“There’s a long pecking order that I highly respect and I’ll wait my turn. In the meantime it’s picking up what I can learn from them. This is the best place to do it.
“We should be looking to win every game. You set yourself a standard and an expectation and it’s important you match that. We have to carry that on for the rest of the qualification campaign.”
England boss Southgate was full of praise for Bellingham and Saka after the match, outlining what sets them apart.
“It is the mentality that is the outstanding part,” said Southgate.
“Everyone can see technical quality but these two boys have the humility and want to learn. They work unbelievably hard and they are a joy to work with.
“It is a top-level finish [from Saka]. That is the ruthless part he has added to his game in the last 18 months or so. There were times you weren’t sure he was going to finish but now he has that confidence in front of goal.”
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