I could talk about Jude Bellingham for days. He has all the attributes to become one of the purest English midfielders to grace the game and is a future captain in waiting.

Ability and likeability aside, it’s his maturity at such a ripe age which sets the youngster head and shoulders above the rest in his category. As Harry Kane blazed his second opportunity from the spot over the upright, a swirling mass of France jubilation erupted around him and it was Jude Bellingham, the 19-year-old, who offered that support when the England captain needed it the most.

Wise beyond his junior years, Bellingham has performed at an extraordinary level at the pinnacle of football and has emulated displays reminiscent of prime Steven Gerrard. It is no wonder that a high-profile transfer is seemingly on the horizon.

With all this public attention comes expectations. Some battle through it; some crumble at the first hurdle. Bellingham falls into the former bracket. He has continuously shown precisely why he is hailed as one of the most sought-after prospects in European football.

His World Cup campaign has backed up the noise, to say the least. His assist for Jordan Henderson’s opener was record-setting as he became the first teenager to assist in a World Cup knockout stage game, which dates as far back as when England were victorious on the big stage, in 1966.

Shattering any claims of Southgate’s pragmatic approach, he utilised the youngster in a more advanced role with ample freedom - and to little shock - he thrived and even opened England’s World Cup account with a forceful header.

We are currently witnessing a new generation of England. An England built on the brilliance of youth and if I was a betting man, I would put a hefty amount on the Borussia Dortmund captain being at the forefront of Gareth Southgate’s devices for time to come.

While many football stars have recently waved goodbye to their international career, Jude Bellingham is new on the scene. He is fresh. He is eager, and he has the world at his feet.