Jude Bellingham can shine in Qatar despite struggling against Hungary

Whatever players say, the first international after a long club season can lead to a little switch-off. It wasn’t a surprise to me England looked a bit lethargic in the heat of Budapest. I expect sharper against Germany and Italy in the next week.

Gareth Southgate will still have learned things, not least the best way to utilise Jude Bellingham.

For him to even be considered as an England player at 18 is phenomenal. He’s already gained more experience in the game than many footballers in their twenties.

Even so, the game showed me that Bellingham’s best position isn’t as a holding midfielder in a 3-4-3. He can pass the ball but his natural instinct is to get forward and use his athleticism and creativity rather than sit in front of the defence to set up play for others.

When Southgate reverted to a back-four later on and Bellingham was able to play as an eight in a three-man midfield, he became more alive and was one of the few I saw who wanted to make things happen.

He had a shot blocked and made a couple of late runs into the penalty, Frank Lampard-style, but unfortunately wasn’t found.

Only one teenager this century has started an opening World Cup game for England, Raheem Sterling in 2014.

It shows how hard it will be for Bellingham and I suspect Southgate will begin with the tried and trusted Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips and Mason Mount in Qatar. There is no shame in that for the teenager and he’s more than capable of making an impact if he is called up during the tournament.

At his age, it’s inevitable Bellingham will have some games in which he looks brilliant, and others where he has less influence. Longer-term, I have not doubt he will be phenomenal and an England regular. It’s just a big ask for him to achieve