Neville's Verdict: Bellingham's Scaled the 'World-Class Mountain'

Bellingham. Two goals in extra time. That 2-0 win? Pure theatre. Player of the Match, naturally. Semi-final against Argentina is next. The Real Madrid man has already bagged six goals this tournament. Not just a scorer, though. Neville, over on Sky Sports News, pointed out his defensive shifts are massive too. No slacker.

"Never seen an England player have an influence in a tournament like that." Neville said it. Right there. He's seen a few, mind. Gascoigne in '96, Rooney in '04, Owen in '98. All firsthand. Bellingham? Neville thinks he's eclipsed them. Big talk.

Kid's only 23. But the kid's a cultural phenomenon. Neville's got a point: young fans, everywhere, they're not just watching. They're trying to *be* Jude. Funny, isn't it? Neville himself, before the tournament kicked off, he pegged Bellingham as good. Capable. Not 'world-class,' though. Still behind Kane in that particular pecking order. Well, that's changed. The line's been crossed, Neville declares. Firmly.

Roy Keane and Ian Wright, no less, cornered Neville after the Norway game. Their verdict? Bellingham is, right now, 'the best midfield player in the world.' Neville quickly added a caveat: they meant *all-round* play, not just banging them in. Gotta clarify, I guess. Wouldn't want anyone thinking they were just talking goals.

And that little spat post-match? Bellingham and manager Thomas Tuchel. Tuchel, ever the diplomat, apparently wasn't thrilled with the display. But Neville jumped right in, defending Bellingham's post-game chatter. Some things never change.