Jude Bellingham can avenge Wayne Rooney injury 20 years ago after England heroics in Slovakia win

Bellingham, who only turned 21 a couple of days ago, has been inconsistent out in Germany so far.

He was bright against Serbia on matchday one but toiled in drab draws with Denmark and Slovenia. Some called for him to be dropped and demoted, convinced a long season at Real Madrid had taken too big a toll.

Against Slovakia on Sunday, Bellingham struggled once more. He was visibly frustrated throughout the game, angry that England were, for the fourth match in a row, well below-par.

But then he produced the sublime and spectacular, scoring the most dramatic goal of the tournament so far to keep the hopes of a nation alive.

In the immediate seconds after the goal, Bellingham regained his usual swagger. "Who else?" he asked as he sent England fans inside the Arena AufSchalke, as well as those watching on at home, into a frenzy.

Now, the onus is on Bellingham to lead this England team to glory. For all their faults they are within touching distance, with just three victories required to end 58 years of hurt.

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Phil Foden and Harry Kane are top players but make no mistake about it, it is Bellingham who is the beating heart of this team, the magician with a wand of a right foot capable of conjuring and creating the inconceivable.

Not since Wayne Rooney 20 years ago has there been so much hype and excitement over a young player.

Rooney, aged 18, dazzled at Euro 2004 - establishing himself as the best young player in world football in the process.

He refused to be intimidated by France and A-listers such as Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira on matchday one, outshining all three players on the night. England were minutes away from a major win - only for a late brace from Zidane to turn the match around.

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Rooney then tore Switzerland to shreds, becoming the youngest goalscorer in European Championships history in the process.

He was similarly impressive against Croatia and England were convinced they'd finally be winning something, especially with such a fearless youngster in their ranks.

But then came the cruel twist in the quarter-finals, with Rooney forced out of a match against Portugal - with his tournament over as a result.

England lost on penalties and hearts, once again, were broken.

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It still feels like a cruel twist two decades on. What if Rooney had stayed fit? There's a sense England would have gone all the way, especially given the star-studded squad Sven-Goran Eriksson had at his disposal.

Now, however, Bellingham has the chance to make amends.

Rooney, who was a pundit at Euro 2024 earlier in the tournament, has claimed the Real Madrid star has looked 'frustrated'. It was hard to disagree with the Manchester United icon on Sunday, with Bellingham's body language suggesting he's struggling to keep a lid on his temper.

He was booked early on and nearly talked himself into a second yellow. Fortunately, he saw the light and stopped short of overstepping the mark, much to the relief of everybody watching.

But Bellingham has his swagger back. His confidence will soar in the wake of such a goal, with Southgate now charged with the task of ensuring his star performer produces more moments of magic.

England were unlucky 20 years ago. With Bellingham, the national team could finally achieve redemption.