Liverpool hero Daniel Sturridge names England's 'best player' at World Cup
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England is through to the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after topping its group, and former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has credited one man for getting the job doneFormer Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has named 'England's best player' at the 2026 FIFA World CupDaniel Sturridge has singled out Jude Bellingham as "England's best player" at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Real Madrid man played a crucial role in helping The Three Lions top their group and reach the knockout stages.Thomas Tuchel's side will now play DR Congo, one of the eight best third-placed teams, in the Last 32 as a reward for finishing top of Group L, which was secured with Saturday's 2-0 victory over Panama at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.A big factor behind England 's victory over its Central American opponents, which finished the World Cup as the only team not to score a goal, was Bellingham, as he produced a goal and an assist in five second-half minutes to secure the three points.The 23-year-old opened the scoring in the 62nd minute with a clever finish from Bukayo Saka's corner, before turning creator just a few minutes later with a perfect cross for Harry Kane to head home from close range and become England's leading goalscorer at FIFA World Cups (11) in the process.Bellingham had already scored in England's opening match against Croatia 10 days prior, when he became the youngest European player to feature at four different major men's tournaments, scoring the third goal of a 4-2 victory just two minutes after the restart.He couldn't quite produce the same magic against Ghana in the following match - his 50th international appearance - as the Three Lions were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, but he turned up when it mattered most against Panama four days later to ensure his nation progressed to the knockout stages as group winners.Bellingham was the hero against Panama on Saturday as he guided England to a 2-0 win(Image: Getty Images)Following Bellingham's latest performance in Saturday's 2-0 victory, former Liverpool hero Sturridge could barely hide his feelings toward the ex-Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund star, taking to social media with a post lauding his talents."Jude Bellingham has been England's best player at this tournament. Every time England have needed a moment, he's looked like the player most likely to provide it," Sturridge wrote on X.
"Goals, assists, tackles, responsibility… he's done it all. World class."Many fans were quick to agree with the former Reds striker, who himself scored for England at a FIFA World Cup, notching the equalizer in a 2-1 defeat to Italy in 2014."I truly believe he is the guy that will take them to promise land with Kane," one person responded.
"And the media was saying he shouldn't start lol. He has been the backbone of this team for the last 3 major tournaments," said another.Content cannot be displayed without consentSturridge isn't the only former Liverpool star to sing the praises of Bellingham at this tournament, with former Anfield favourite Dietmar Hamann commending the Real Madrid star's collective approach during England's victorious World Cup opener against Croatia."I wasn't sure about him going to Madrid, but I have got to say the way he made the transition to Madrid and winning the Champions League in his first year, there is huge pressure to perform, and tonight he looked like a team player," Hamann told RTE."When he does play for the team, when he does work for his teammates, we know he's an excellent player."