Jude Bellingham produced a phenomenal performance as England demolished Croatia 7-0 in Rijeka, with the Real Madrid midfielder directly involved in four of the Three Lions' goals. Bellingham scored once and provided three assists, playing a starring role as Thomas Tuchel's side delivered one of their most dominant performances under the German manager.
The remarkable display also saw Bellingham achieve a historic England feat that had not been accomplished for more than three decades.
Bellingham Matches Legendary David Platt Feat
Bellingham became the first England midfielder since David Platt in 1993 to record four goal involvements in a single match.
The last midfielder to achieve the feat was Platt, who scored four goals against San Marino in February 1993. More than 33 years later, Bellingham has finally matched that extraordinary level of influence for the Three Lions.
His performance against Croatia was a perfect demonstration of his all-round attacking ability.
Bellingham provided the assist for Harry Kane's opener before scoring England's second himself. He then created another goal for Bukayo Saka and later supplied the pass that allowed substitute Morgan Rogers to complete the 7-0 rout.
In total, one goal and three assists meant Bellingham directly contributed to four of England's seven goals.
Bellingham Dominates Croatia
The midfielder was influential throughout the match rather than simply producing moments in the final third.
Bellingham repeatedly carried the ball forward, linked up brilliantly with England's attackers and exploited the spaces between Croatia's midfield and defence.
His goal was particularly impressive. After England worked the ball into the penalty area, Bellingham reacted quickest to finish from close range and put England firmly in control.
He continued to cause problems after the interval, eventually adding another assist to his remarkable personal statistics.
The performance was made even more impressive by the quality of the opposition. Croatia have been one of Europe's most competitive international sides for years, but England's youthful midfield completely overwhelmed the experienced Croatian combination of Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić.
A Legendary Night for England
Bellingham's historic contribution came during an extraordinary team performance.
England scored seven goals without reply, with Kane and Saka both scoring twice, while Anthony Gordon and Rogers also found the net. The victory represented Croatia's heaviest-ever defeat and strengthened England's position in their Nations League group.
For Bellingham, however, the individual achievement will be one of the biggest talking points.
To become the first England midfielder in 33 years to produce four goal involvements in a match is remarkable.
David Platt set the benchmark against San Marino in 1993. Now, Bellingham has joined him in the history books.
Simply Phenomenal.