In Focus: Red-hot Bellingham can be a Real weapon for England

Jude Bellingham has announced himself as a global superstar since joining Real Madrid during the summer. 

The midfielder, 20, is enjoying a storming start to his career in Spain, where few arrivals have made such an instant impact.

We reflect on Bellingham's exceptional displays ahead of England's friendly against Australia at Wembley.

Bellingham in the box

Bellingham scored 14 goals in all competitions during his final season with Borussia Dortmund.

But he has hit new heights in LaLiga, topping the scoring charts with eight strikes in eight league appearances.

With two more to his name in the Champions League, Bellingham has already hit double figures for the campaign.

No player in LaLiga has had more shots on target (15), while he has scored his eight goals from an xG of just 4.5 — an indication of high-quality finishing.

Driving force in midfield engine room

Aside from his goalscoring exploits, Bellingham has been influential in the centre of the park for Real.

He ranks fourth in LaLiga for completed take-ons (17) and first in the division for attempted through-balls (seven).

Among his team-mates, only Toni Kroos (17) and Fede Valverde (22) have created more chances than the Birmingham academy product (13).

Age is just a number for Bellingham

Bellingham has also had a more intangible impact at the Bernabeu — acting as a genuine leader and often galvanising his team-mates, despite his relative youth.

The Three Lions are already aware of of leadership qualities.

After starring for his country in a 4-0 win over Malta in June, he said: "When times are tough and the chips are down, I feel like that's when you really see what your leaders are made of.

"I'm always thinking about how I can help the team. And if that's being a leader, so be it."

Bellingham is the full package

Barely out of his teens, Bellingham already looks close to the complete midfielder.

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti hailed the Englishman after he scored a brace in last weekend's 4-0 win over Osasuna.

Ancelotti, 64, said: "He is very good and has adapted very well. We as a club, and the fans, are lucky to have signed such a spectacular player.

"His maturity is remarkable, he makes us forget he is only 20."

Starring for Southgate's England

The next step for Bellingham is to take his superb form to the international stage.

An impressive World Cup in Qatar last year bodes well for England, who will be among the favourites to win Euro 2024.

But the immediate focus for Bellingham will be on tonight's friendly against the Socceroos and next week's qualifier against Italy.

With 26 England caps to his name but only two goals, expect to see that record improve for a player growing in confidence with every passing week.