ENGLAND ARE ABSOLUTELY COOKING Jude Bellingham drew the penalty for England’s equaliser and assisted Marcus Rashford’s goal to put them in the lead

After fantastic work from Jude Bellingham in the build-up, Marcus Rashford put England up 2-1 against Italy.

Phil Foden picked up the loose ball after Bellingham tackled an Italy player on the edge of Jordan Pickford’s area, initiating an England counter-attack.

The Man City star found Bellingham sprinting up the pitch after winning the ball back, and the 20-year-old used his first touch to flick the ball past the on-rushing Italy defender.

Bellingham, who has ten goals in his first ten Real Madrid games, then released Marcus Rashford on the flank, who waltzed inside his full back and drove a low show into the net to put England ahead.

As he (nearly) always does, Harry Kane scored the subsequent spot kick.

At the start of England’s training camp last week, manager Gareth Southgate was asked if Bellingham was the best player in the world.

“I wondered if you might say that!” said the Three Lions manager.

“No, it’s not a dumb question. I haven’t watched or studied everyone who is playing.

“All I can say is he’s at one of the biggest clubs in the world, arguably the biggest, and he’s playing exceptionally well and he’s currently the match-winner for them so he’s in a brilliant place.”

If England wins all three points in their European Championship qualifier, they will be guaranteed a place in next year’s championship in Germany.