Jude Bellingham says he is relishing the chance to partner Declan Rice for England at the World Cup.
Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham is set to partner Rice in England’s midfield when the tournament gets underway in Qatar in under a month, with Kalvin Phillips a doubt after being sidelined following shoulder surgery.
Bellingham is an admirer of Rice and said the West Ham midfielder is the perfect foil for him to push forward and exploit his attacking potential for Gareth Southgate’s side.
“Declan is someone I admire a lot,” said Bellingham. “He’s a top, top player. He’s really good at what he does - he masters his craft, the type of midfielder he is, he’s one of the very best.
“I’ve played with him a few times now for England and it’s been a pleasure. He allows me to do the things that I want to do with the ball, going forward, trying to get in and around the box. He gives you protection, so I think we complement each other very well.”
Bellingham, who helped Dortmund reach the last 16 of the Champions League with Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Manchester City, has hit a career-best eight goals already this season.
The 19-year-old is hoping he can maintain that goal threat for England In Qatar and find the back of the net on a regular basis for the Three Lions.
“I think goals are something I want to add to my game,” said Bellingham. “I’ve got eight this year and that’s the most I’ve ever got, even at this stage of the season. I want to progress, I want to get better and it really helps when you play with top players like Declan alongside you.”
Bellingham said he has had little chance to think about the Word Cup, with so many games for Dortmund, and claimed he is not holding himself back for fear of injury wrecking his chances of playing in Qatar.
“With the frequency of the games - how quick and how tough they’re coming - you don’t really get the chance to look a few weeks ahead,” said Bellingham. “You’re not thinking ‘in a few weeks time I could be playing at a World Cup!’
“Maybe when the time comes, there will be some nerves - that’s natural - but when a couple of weeks ago, we played in the Cup against a second division team, I am not thinking about what a World Cup is going to be like. “I’m not holding back on any tackles - I’ve got a job to do haven’t I? And I’m going to do it to the best of my abilities.”
