Southgate and Grealish rave about Liverpool target Bellingham

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Jude Bellingham took centre stage for England in their routine 3-0 win over the Ivory Coast at Wembley last night.

He played as the most advanced of the Three Lions’ midfield trio and was a constant menace all night in the friendly win.

After the game, manager Gareth Southgate and teammate Jack Grealish praised the Borussia Dortmund midfielder on ITV.

When asked what he thought of Bellingham’s night, Southgate said: “Very good. We had him pressing as a ten and then he was able to link a bit lower with the ball.

“He showed some lovely moments, some super link play. He’s a powerful runner with and without the ball. He presses well for the team. He should be really proud of his night.”

Grealish added: “He could play anywhere. Honestly. He could play as a six, or an eight or as a ten – he’s that good.

“I know when I watched a few of his games for Dortmund, he’s been brilliant in every position. I think that just shows how talented he is.”

Jurgen Klopp is reportedly pushing Liverpool personally to sign Bellingham in the summer of 2023.

The Englishman seems unlikely to leave this summer because Dortmund tend to only sell one big star every summer.

This time around, it looks like being Erling Haaland, who has an active release clause at a time when plenty of Europe’s top clubs need a striker.

Then, it could well be Bellingham’s turn the following year, by which time he could be a World Cup winner with England…