Gary Lineker predicts new Jude Bellingham role for England amid Real Madrid star's dazzling displays

Bellingham has scored 11 goals for the La Liga giants so far, having opted to leave Borussia Dortmund for the Bernabeu back in the summer.

His form has catapulted Real to the top of the La Liga table ahead of Saturday's El Clasico showdown with fierce rivals Barcelona.

And Lineker thinks Bellingham could end up being a striker for England, despite being a midfielder by trade.

"The way he has started at Real gives Gareth Southgate a great option," he told The Sun.

"If something happens to Harry Kane — or after he is finished because Harry is now 30 — Jude could play at centre-forward, as a false nine if you like.

"He is now scoring poacher’s goals. He’s even doing the ‘easy’ bits that I used to do!

"He has been playing as a No 10 for England in his last few games.

"He can play in a deeper role as a No 8, he is probably the most complete English footballer I’ve ever seen and he’s only 20.”

Lineker then added: “No one knows what Jude’s best position is because he is so good in several roles but I could see him playing up front for England.”

Bellingham hobbled out of Real's 2-1 win over Braga in the Champions League in midweek.

But he has since confirmed he isn't injured and will be available for the match with Barcelona.

Real are level on points with minnows Girona at the top of the table.

And they're also a point ahead of Barcelona, who emphatically won the crown under Xavi last season.

One person who has been blown away by Bellingham's performances in Spain is Gareth Bale.

Bale, who retired from football at the start of the year, was often scrutinised during his own spell at Madrid.

That's despite the Welshman helping the club win five Champions League crowns.

But Bale has fired a warning to Bellingham, insisting he must 'play the game' if he's to become a club legend.

"My biggest advice: play the game at Madrid," Bale said on A League of their Own.

"Because if you don't play the game and do what the media wants, speak to them - basically be a puppet - you do get a lot of stick.

"You'll see a lot of the Galacticos act like Galacticos, they do what the press want and they play the game of being at Real Madrid.

"That's probably why it was a bit of a downfall for me."

Reflecting on his own time at Real, Bale added: "I didn't want to do it.

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"I just wanted to play football and go home, so it probably hindered me and that made them [the media] attack me a bit more.

"My advice would be to play the game of being at Real Madrid off the field."