Online Reporter
JUDE Bellingham is ready to conquer the Congo as England prepare for their first World Cup knockout clash tomorrow.
The Real Madrid star, who turns 23 today, scored once and was named Man of the Match in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Panama.
England fans are now gearing up to roar on the Three Lions who face The Leopards after making the World Cup’s knockout stages.
The stars will be up against Congo in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday after topping the tournament’s Group L.
Thomas Tuchel’s men did so with their win over Panama and midfield maestro Jude Bellingham was again instrumental.
He scored one, created the other for captain Harry Kane and was named Man of the Match.
Jude applauded fans while joining their Wonderwall song salute – and planted a smacker on his girlfriend.
He embraced model Ashlyn Castro, 28, who had on a red England shirt bearing his name, amid emotional scenes in the VIP box at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
And the nation will once more be hoping the Real Madrid genius can fire up England again.
But first the team will enjoy a low-key celebration today for Bellingham – and Eberechi Eze, who turns 28 – at their The Inn at Meadowbrook Hotel base in Kansas City.
The players have developed a strong bond and were keen to praise the boy from Stourbridge, West Mids. Bayern Munich star Kane, 32, warned the world his playing pal was hungry for glory.
Harry, who scored England’s second from a Bellingham cross – eclipsing Gary Lineker’s World Cup goal record of ten – said: “He’s got the bit between his teeth.
“I’ve seen it since we arrived in Florida. Jude’s a fantastic player, world class. It’s a privilege to play with him and have him in our team.
“If we want to go far, we need all our best players playing well and it’s good to see Jude at the highest level.”
England team-mate Marcus Rashford, 28, also hailed the match-winning drive of Bellingham, who had put England ahead.
The Barcelona striker said: “Jude’s a top player. He brings so much to the team. He has a lot of talent and he delivers.
“He’s a great player off the pitch, too. One of the main things that I like about Jude is his drive. He doesn’t just drive alone, he drives people alongside him. He drives England. He always wants more.”
Bellingham continued the camp love-in with praise for Kane, adding: “You see the effort he puts in as a captain and how he leads us.
“The quality speaks for itself. He’s the best. I’ve built a good relationship with Harry over the last four or five years.
“It’s an honour to play with him. For me, he’s the best England player of all time. He’s at an incredible level now. You know he’s going to make a difference.”
England’s opponents secured their first progression to the knockout stages in 52 years with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s win was greeted with an explosion of joy in capital Kinshasa and eastern city Goma.
The Leopards sit 42 places behind fourth-placed England in the Fifa world rankings — but will be England’s toughest challenge yet in this summer’s tournament.
The African side’s squad includes Premier League striker Yoane Wissa, 29, of Newcastle United, who scored twice in their comeback triumph over Uzbekistan.
Tough-tackling defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 28, of relegated Prem side West Ham United is also a mainstay along with Lille defender and captain Chancel Mbemba, 31.
Thousands of England fans spent yesterday checking flight, hotel and ticket websites as they scrambled to make tomorrow’s match – Sun.
