Jude Bellingham Surpasses Wayne Rooney's England Milestone

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham broke Wayne Rooney's record for England in Friday's 2026 World Cup World Cup Qualifiers clash against Albania. Jude helped his side to win 2-0 at the famous Wembley Stadium to collect three points. 

Bellingham started in Thomas Tuchel's first starting XI as England's boss. It was the 41st appearance of the 21-year-old. The English midfielder overtook Wayne Rooney for the most senior appearance for the England national football team at 21 or younger. The former Manchester United legend made 40 appearances.

41 - Jude Bellingham is making his 41st appearance for England, overtaking Wayne Rooney's record (40) for most games for the senior side while aged 21 or younger. Baton. pic.twitter.com/wBVzvIiFlL

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 21, 2025

Jude Bellingham made his senior debut for the National side being a 17-year-old in November 2020 on his debut England triumphed with a 3-0 victory over Ireland in a friendly match. He has since made 41 appearances and scored 6 goals and provided 10 assists.

Jude Bellingham continued his good form against Albania on Friday as well. He got the ball in midfield and went past a couple of players before putting a cross for the debutant Myles Lewis-Skelly and the debutant scored the goal and put his side a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute.

Harry Kane scored the second goal in the 77th minute and helped the Three Lions clinch a 2-0 victory over Albania. England is now at the top of the group k of 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The group also has Latvia, Serbia, and Andorra along with England and Albania.

Off to a winning start 🙌

A 2-0 success to start the Thomas Tuchel era and our @FIFAWorldCup qualifying campaign. pic.twitter.com/lXJYDIJsHA

— England (@England) March 21, 2025

While England beat Albania 2-0, Jude Bellingham spoke about things the Tuchel's managed side need to improve. Assessing his side's performance Jude said: (Via England Football)

Jude Bellingham against Albania:

- 90 minutes played
- 1 assist
- 0.43 xG
- 91% passing
- 102 touches
- 1 chance created
- 6 ground duels won
- 100% aerial duels won. pic.twitter.com/pAnrh2XGDy

— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) March 21, 2025

I think we had clear ideas on what we wanted to do and how we wanted to play. We tried that as much as possible. I know it is difficult when you play against a team that sits so low and is so compact.

At times the game takes you a different direction. You want to go on the ball and move around but generally, we stuck to the plan really well. We had a really good week of training, and it was a good way to start the new era.