17 October 2023 , 21:11
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England clinched their place for the Euros in real style.
And it was the man at the heart of the victory, Jude Bellingham, who should give England every reason to dream. This was some sort of revenge against Italy for the heartbreak of the Euros final but, two years on, England have a new hero. As Paul Gascoigne looked down from the stands, Bellingham just ran the show with a midfield display which is rapidly elevating him into the world class bracket.
England have not had many better players since Gazza than Bellingham and the frightening part is that the Real Madrid star is still only 20. Bellingham played a part in two goals, got the crowd going and ran Italy ragged as England not only qualified for next summer’s Euros but clinched top spot in the Group ahead of the draw on December 2.
Now Gareth Southgate can go to Germany with real optimism as Harry Kane got two more goals, extending his record to 61 and soon he will be out of sight. There are still issues to resolve as Kalvin Phillips looked well off the pace, England were sloppy and nervous when they went behind but they now have a new hero.
Bellingham wears the No10 shirt with pride, went off to an great ovation as the majority of the 83,194 crowd rose to their feet to either clap him off or shout “Jude!” No wonder Southgate gave him a huge hug as he left the pitch - and he also needs to wrap him up in cotton wool because with him in the team, England will believe they can go one better next summer.
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Even after Italy went ahead, it was Bellingham who lifted the team and the performance as he turned to the crowd, gestured for more noise like a conductor - and they all obliged. This was Bellingham’s night and he was also the big difference from England’s defeat to Italy two years ago. Back then, he was still a teenager. Now he is the main man.
Jude Bellingham celebrates during England's win over Italy (Getty Images)It was Italy who went ahead after just 15 minutes when they built from the back. Keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma dummied Kane in his own box, began the move before Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s undid England’s defence with a low cross. Gianluca Scamacca smashed home from point blank range.
England looked nervous. Those nerves were spreading and they looked in trouble. But it was Bellingham who burst through midfield, darted into the box and Di Lorenzo’s desperate tackle brought him down for what was a clear penalty. Up stepped Kane to slot home as cool as you like for a 32nd minute equaliser. Then it was England who held their nerve and got stronger after the restart.
Of course Bellingham was involved. He won a tackle deep in his own half as he beat Nicolo Barella, raced forward and then spread the ball wide to Marcus Rashford who cut inside the box and smashed home with a super finish. England were ahead after 57 minutes.
Phillips was all over the shop and ended up being substituted for Jordan Henderson - who got a better reception this time after being booed last Friday - to stop him getting sent off and he should have got a second yellow for an X-rated tackle.
But they can always rely on Kane. Kyle Walker fed the ball through, Kane held off Alessandro Bastoni and then England’s captain raced through to bury a third goal past Donnarumma.
England were coasting now. A big team despatched with relative ease in the end. They are growing and developing with Bellingham at the heart of it. They celebrated at the end with a chorus of Sweet Caroline. England can dream again.