GARY LINEKER believes Jude Bellingham could end up as a striker for England after his outstanding goalscoring start for Real Madrid.
The Brummie midfielder has netted 11 times in 12 matches for the 14-time champs of Europe, operating largely as a ‘false nine’.
EPAJude Bellingham has been prolific since joining Real Madrid[/caption]
Doug SeeburgGary Lineker thinks Bellingham could play as a striker for England[/caption]
GettyThe star has mostly played in midfield for the Three Lions[/caption]
Lineker, who scored 48 goals for England and won the Golden Boot at the 1986 World Cup, said: “The way he has started at Real gives Gareth Southgate a great option.
“If something happens to Harry Kane — or after he is finished because Harry is now 30 — Jude could play at centre-forward, as a false nine if you like.
“He is now scoring poacher’s goals. He’s even doing the ‘easy’ bits that I used to do!
“He has been playing as a No 10 for England in his last few games.
“He can play in a deeper role as a No 8, he is probably the most complete English footballer I’ve ever seen and he’s only 20.”
Bellingham, who also scored for England against Scotland last month, makes his El Clasico debut for Real in Barcelona tomorrow — a fixture in which Lineker once scored a hat-trick for Barca.
And Lineker added: “No one knows what Jude’s best position is because he is so good in several roles but I could see him playing up front for England.”
Bellingham meanwhile has declared himself fit for Saturday’s El Clasico.
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The midfielder was taken off at the end against Braga in the Champions League on Tuesday with a knock.
Bur boss Carlo Ancelotti said it was not serious and nothing more than tiredness.
And Bellingham, sent a clear message when he said: “I will be ready and available for El Clasico.”
Barcelona chief Xavi had to call up EIGHT academy players for their Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday as the Catalans grapple with key injuries — including striker Robert Lewandowski.
He will likely be joined on the sidelines by midfielders Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Sergi Roberto as well as defender Jules Kounde.
The club are hopeful winger Raphinha will be ready while forward Joao Felix said he is “fine” after limping off in Wednesday’s game.