England: £49k-a-week star will ‘definitely start against USA’ | OneFootball

England midfielder Jude Bellingham is ‘definitely’ going to start against the USA on Friday, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

The 19-year-old put in an outstanding display against Iran in the Three Lions’ opening Group B encounter of the World Cup and will be hoping to feature in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI once again.

What is the latest news involving Bellingham?

Bellingham earned his 18th international cap and scored his first England goal at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday and will surely be hoping to build on that in the rest of the tournament.

The Borussia Dortmund ace starred alongside Declan Rice and Mason Mount in an attack-minded midfield three, and his underlying numbers highlight his influence over proceedings.

As per WhoScored, Bellingham made three tackles against Iran, completed two dribbles and pulled off seven long balls, placing him in the top three for each metric amongst his teammates.

Only time will tell if Southgate keeps his faith in the teenager, who earns £49,000-per-week, but he’s certainly made a strong case for his continued selection from the off.

What has Phillips said about Bellingham?

Phillips has informed GiveMeSport that he believes Southgate may favour Kalvin Phillips in the ‘latter rounds’ of the World Cup, although he expects Bellingham to start against the USA.

He said: “I think when once we start playing against the tougher teams, maybe in the latter rounds, I can see Southgate going for Kalvin Phillips over Bellingham and playing that double pivot with a back five alongside Rice instead.

“So, there is that to take into account, and Bellingham again, he’s done it for Dortmund, but this is the biggest stage for him now. So, can he keep doing it every game?

“I really rate the player, I think he’s going to be world-class, but I think people are getting a little bit ahead of themselves saying he’s world-class already. He’s still got to improve, but it was a hell of a performance against Iran, and I think he’ll definitely start against the USA.”

How are England likely to line-up against the USA?

After England scored six goals and put in such a comprehensive performance against Iran, it would perhaps come as a surprise to see Southgate change his formation and starting lineup at all.

1 of 30

A nice easy start…

James Rodriguez Fredy Guarin

However, continued injury concerns over the likes of Harry Kane and Harry Maguire may force the 52-year-old tactician into making some alterations.

Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Callum Wilson all impressed off the bench last time out too, yet Bellingham, who Andros Townsend labelled ‘special’, will be hopeful of retaining his place in the England side.