England is having a cracking time in the World Cup. 12 goals scored already, 8 different scorers, the best performing team in the group stages and a very comfortable 3-0 victory in their first knockout game in Qatar.
Gareth Southgate has done a wonderful job so far, picking the right players and making the required substitutions when required.
From the youngest squad member, Jude Bellingham (19 years), to one of the oldest, Jordan Henderson (32 years), everyone has put in a shift when called upon and delivered for his country.
In fact, it was this duo that combined to open the scoring against the African nation in the Round of 16 yesterday.
The Three Lions were struggling until the 38th minute when Bellingham did some fine work on the left side of the pitch before laying it on a plate for his midfield partner Henderson to convert, which the Liverpool man duly did.
What followed was an intense celebration which has Liverpool fans dreaming.
Henderson grabbed his younger team and stared him down in a show of passion before embracing him in a hug.
The pair was subsequently mobbed by the others in white as they celebrated the opening goal.
The unusual celebration was quickly being talked about on social media, especially by Kopites, who want the young Dortmund midfielder to join them. Fans have taken this as a hint of things to come in the coming transfer windows.
Conor Coady recently spoke about the pair’s close relations while in Qatar, “He looks after Jude like there is no tomorrow”.
Adding fuel to the fire, Henderson recreated the intense moment with club and country teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Bellingham’s big grin means shows he has taken the whole thing in a funny spirit but that will not stop all the speculation that this has stirred.
Bellingham has been exceptional so far in the tournament, becoming the first player to score and assist in the same game in the world cup before turning 20 since Lionel Messi did it in 2006.
He has the highest number of successful tackles of any player in the tournament and also became the youngest player ever to assist in the cup for England.
With stats like his and him breaking records with every passing game, we can see why Liverpool, or for that matter, any club would want him in their squad.
Valued at a €100Million, the 19-year-old won’t come cheap for any team, be it in England or otherwise. But if the celebration is anything to go by, Liverpool sure does look to be aptly placed for when the player decides to leave Germany for fresher pastures.