Qatar World Cup: 'Jude Bellingham Will Be World's Best Midfielder,' Says Phil Foden

Phil Foden heaped praise on his England teammate Jude Bellingham, saying the young player will be "the best midfielder in the world."

The English duo assisted all three goals in England's 3-0 win over Senegal in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 game Sunday. Gareth Southgate's England have reached the quarter-final in the ongoing tournament in Qatar, thanks to goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka.

Bellingham was undoubtedly one of the key players in England's triumph, setting up the first goal for Henderson with a perfect cross after 38 minutes and being involved in the second goal. Foden provided the assist for captain Kane as he struck his first goal of the World Cup campaign.

"I don't want to big up Jude Bellingham too much because he's still young, but he's one of the most gifted players I've ever seen. I don't see a weakness in his game. He's got everything, and he's going to be the best midfielder in the world, for sure," Foden told ITV, reported Goal.com.

Despite Marcus Rashford scoring two goals in previous games, Southgate went with Saka and Foden ahead of the Manchester United star forward, who eventually came on in the second half.

Speaking about the start of the game against Senegal, Foden said that the first 35 minutes were tough as the Teranga Lions were "really compact, high-energy, athletic."

"They got in a few times down the sides, and it was one of those games when we needed to get the first goal. We knew when we did we would be in a good position. The goal was really well worked. [Henderson] had a brilliant performance today. I see some of the rubbish that was said about him playing. Honestly, it's ridiculous. He's so underrated technically, and he's delivered again in a big game with a massive goal, so I think it's time he gets a bit of respect," added Foden.

Meanwhile, England skipper Kane is now just a goal away from equalling Wayne Rooney's record of all-time goals for the Three Lions – 53 goals.

Southgate and his team have a big match coming up as they are set to take on defending champions France in the quarter-final Saturday.