World Cup 2026: Wayne Rooney compares Jude Bellingham to Gerrard and Keane
Wayne Rooney says Jude Bellingham's performance against Mexico in the World Cup 2026 knockout stage ranks alongside iconic displays by Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane.
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Former England striker Wayne Rooney has likened Jude Bellingham's performance in the World Cup round-of-16 match against Mexico to legendary displays from Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane. Rooney believes the 23-year-old midfielder showed the same level of leadership as the icons during their famous Champions League nights.
In a dramatic encounter at the Estadio Azteca, Bellingham scored twice in 98 seconds to help Thomas Tuchel's side secure a 3-2 victory despite being down to 10 men. The win set up a quarter-final clash with Norway.
I said Jude Bellingham was going to have a game when we're going to need him to drag us through. You look at Steven Gerrard against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final. Roy Keane against Juventus for Manchester United. They dragged the teams through them games. I felt like that was Bellingham's one with them two goals - the timing of the goals, his desire, his work rate, his hunger. Wayne Rooney
In addition to his goals, the Real Madrid star produced a vital last-ditch tackle before half-time to deny Cesar Montes a certain goal. Rooney awarded Bellingham a perfect '10 out of 10' rating, praising his defensive commitment and desire to support his teammates in a challenging game.