The 2026 World Cup is still a few years away, but the buzz around it is already intense, especially with the recent comments from former England striker Wayne Rooney. According to Rooney, the standout player of the tournament so far is Jude Bellingham, who has been on fire for England, scoring six goals in six games and averaging a goal or assist every 138 minutes. This is a remarkable feat, especially considering his young age and the fact that he's playing for Real Madrid.
What makes Bellingham's performance even more impressive is the contrast between his performance in major tournaments and his regular international matches. In major tournaments, he seems to have a special ability to step up and deliver, which is a rare quality. This is in stark contrast to many top players who rely solely on their ability and technique to get their moments, but lack the desire and hunger to consistently perform at the highest level.
Rooney's comments about Bellingham's energy, passion, and drive are particularly insightful. It's refreshing to see a player who is not only technically gifted but also has the mental fortitude to perform in the biggest games. This is a quality that many top players lack, and it's what makes Bellingham stand out.
However, Rooney also acknowledges that the title of best player in the world is still up for grabs, with players like Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland also in the running. But for now, Bellingham is the standout performer, and his performance has been a major factor in England's run to the last four.
The upcoming match against Argentina is a big one for England, and Rooney believes that Harry Kane will be crucial to their success. He thinks that Kane's ability to come deep and exploit the spaces left by Argentina's center-backs will be a key factor in the match. If Kane is on form, he could be a nightmare for the Argentine defense.
However, Rooney also acknowledges that the match against Argentina will be a tough one for England, and that they will need to be at their best to have a chance of winning. The fact that no team in history has scored more than 10 times in a World Cup and has been more reliant on two players' goals in a single World Cup makes the match even more intriguing.
In conclusion, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting one, and with players like Bellingham and Kane in top form, England has a real chance of going all the way. But it will take more than just individual brilliance to win the tournament, and England will need to be at their best to have a chance of lifting the trophy.
