ROY KEANE has told Gareth Southgate that Jude Bellingham will be England’s World Cup saviour.
The Three Lions will announce their 26-man squad for Qatar on Thursday November 10 – while the Fifa deadline for all 32 nations is three days later.
Bellingham has won 17 caps under Southgate and produced his best performance in an England shirt in last month’s 3-3 draw against Germany.
The 19-year-old is one of Europe’s finest young players following his consistent displays for Borussia Dortmund and he is being coveted by the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid.
And Keane reckons the ex-Birmingham City playmaker could make a global impact this winter.
Former Manchester United captain Keane, 51, said: “I would love to see Jude Bellingham have a good tournament.
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“For such a young kid, he plays way beyond his years, looks a good athlete and is mature.
“He’s getting a good run of games now for Borussia Dortmund and recently started for England against Germany – so I hope he takes that momentum into the World Cup.”
Keane – who will work on the tournament as an ITV football pundit – feels Euro 2020 finalists England “will come up just short” in their attempt to become world champions for the first time since 1966.
The Middle East event kick-off on Sunday November 20 and England will face Iran, the United States and Wales in Group B.
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The Irishman said: “England will have no problem getting out of the group – they’ll be far too strong.
“Huge pressure on Harry Kane to produce and I still worry about England defensively and the goalkeeper.”
With Southgate set to name his squad early next month, his biggest concerns at the moment are injuries.
An injury against AC Milan earlier this month has left fans sweating over Reece James’ fitness.
While major question marks also hover over Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips who are fighting to get back from lengthy lay-offs.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
