Rooney Compares Bellingham’s Heroics to Gerrard and Keane Masterclasses

Former England Captain Hails Midfielder’s Match-Winning Display Against Mexico

Former England captain Wayne Rooney has compared Jude Bellingham’s inspirational performance against Mexico to some of the greatest displays in football history, likening the midfielder to Steven Gerrard and Roy Keane.

Bellingham was the star of the show as England defeated Mexico 3-2 in a dramatic World Cup last-16 clash at the Azteca Stadium. The 23-year-old scored twice in just 98 seconds to help Thomas Tuchel’s side secure victory despite being reduced to 10 men.

The thrilling win has sent England into the quarter-finals, where they will face Norway as they continue their quest for a first major trophy since lifting the World Cup in 1966.

Rooney Sees Legendary Qualities in Bellingham

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said Bellingham’s display reminded him of iconic performances produced by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

“I said Jude Bellingham was going to have a game when we’re going to need him to drag us through,” Rooney said.

“You look at Steven Gerrard against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final and Roy Keane against Juventus for Manchester United. They dragged their teams through those games.”

“I felt like that was Bellingham’s moment with those two goals – the timing of the goals, his desire, his work rate and his hunger.”

Following in the Footsteps of Greats

Gerrard famously inspired Liverpool’s incredible comeback in the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan after the Reds trailed 3-0 at half-time before eventually winning on penalties.

Keane, meanwhile, produced one of the most memorable performances of his career in 1999 when Manchester United came from behind to defeat Juventus and reach the Champions League final.

Rooney believes Bellingham’s display against Mexico belongs in the same category because of the way he carried England during one of their toughest moments of the tournament.

A Complete Performance

Bellingham’s contribution was not limited to his goals. The Real Madrid star also made a crucial last-ditch tackle to deny Mexico defender Cesar Montes a goal that could have levelled the match before half-time.

Rooney praised the midfielder’s determination and willingness to help his teammates.

“At times defensively he’s not always in the right positions, but his desire to get back and put that last-minute tackle in and help his teammates when they’re not maybe having the best game was everything,” he said.

The former England striker awarded Bellingham a perfect score for his performance.

“When you’re marking a player out of 10, you’re always thinking if they could have done a little bit more,” Rooney added.

“But I just felt it was the right game to give him a 10 out of 10.”

England Dreaming Again

Bellingham’s remarkable display has further strengthened belief that England could finally end their long wait for international glory.

With a quarter-final against Norway now on the horizon, England fans will be hoping their midfield star can continue delivering the kind of performances that place him alongside some of football’s greatest big-game players.