Gary Lineker makes huge Jude Bellingham claim after Micah Richards assessment

Gary Lineker makes huge Jude Bellingham claim after Micah Richards assessment Gary Lineker has praised Jude Bellingham following his latest displays for England, while responding to Micah Richards’ assessment of the Real Madrid midfielder. Bellingham has been one of England’s standout players in the opening three games of the 2026/27 Nations League, building on his strong World Cup campaign. The 23-year-old produced a man-of-the-match display against Croatia , registering one goal and three assists, to take his goal involvements to five in the competition. Despite his form, Richards believes Bellingham is not a complete midfielder, highlighting two flaws in his game. “Jude Bellingham doesn’t have the flair of Cole Palmer or the touch of Phil Foden,” he told The Rest Is Football podcast . “In everything else, he is a 9 out of 10. And his confidence is 10 out of 10. Whatever he does, he believes in it.” However, Lineker strongly disagreed with Richards’ assessment of the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder. “I disagree with you here Micah, Jude’s touch is unbelievably good. The way he turns and beats people. I believe Jude could end up as England’s GOAT player.” Bellingham has been named England’s Men’s Player of the Year for the past two years, highlighting his consistent performances for the Three Lions. He is also beginning to step up in major tournaments. He was named in the last World Cup Best XI after finishing the tournament as the third-highest goalscorer. Bellingham could lay a claim to being one of England’s best-ever players if he leads them to a major tournament triumph. Euro 2028, which will be co-hosted by England, would provide a major opportunity for Bellingham to strengthen that claim.