Rio Ngumoha hails Jude Bellingham as world’s best midfielder and vows to follow his path to England stardom

Rio Ngumoha believes Jude Bellingham is the best midfielder in the world and hopes to follow his example in becoming an England regular.

Ngumoha made his competitive debut for England during the 2-0 win over Czechia on Tuesday night, becoming the third-youngest footballer to feature for the Three Lions in a competitive game.

Wayne Rooney and Bellingham are the only players to have achieved the feat at a younger age, with Bellingham substituted on alongside Ngumoha in midweek.

Ngumoha hailed Bellingham as the best midfielder in the world right now and hopes he can follow in the Real Madrid star's footsteps to become a regular.

At 23, Bellingham has already won 58 caps for England at senior level and has already represented the Three Lions at four major tournaments.

In June, he became the youngest player to reach 50 caps for England and ended the 2026 World Cup with seven goals, the outright most ever by an England player in a single World Cup finals.

“Best midfielder in the world”: Ngumoha praises Bellingham and sets sights on becoming regular England teammate

"Jude is 23, I think, and already he's probably the best midfielder in the world at this point," Ngumoha told ITV Sport ahead of Saturday's clash with Croatia.

"He definitely believed that he would play in an England shirt at 17, same as Wayne Rooney, what he's done for his club and his country, hopefully I can do the same. It's going to be a good journey, I think."