Jude Bellingham to break long-standing Wayne Rooney record - before he's even touched a ball

Jude Bellingham of England celebrates after scoring the third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia. (Photo by Hugo Rivera/Jam Media/Getty Images) — Jude Bellingham has broken a long-standing Wayne Rooney record for England. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Jude Bellingham, one of the standouts in England's revenge match win vs Croatia, will look to replicate his performance vs Ghana tonight.

The Real Madrid and England star will also experience a special event beyond the match itself, breaking a long-standing Wayne Rooney record.

The Three Lions are facing off against Ghana, with both sides taking three points in their opening 2026 World Cup fixtures.

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Jude Bellingham to break long-standing Wayne Rooney record vs Ghana - before he's even touched a ball

Jude Bellingham of England (C) celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with Harry Kane (L) and Noni Madueke (R) during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match between England and Croatia — Bellingham was the star of the show vs Croatia. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Bellingham delivered a top-class performance vs Croatia in last week's World Cup opener for the Three Lions, as his side entered the break in a 2-2 stalemate.

The England star appeared in the second and scored almost instantly, sending the Three Lions up a goal and securing victory for his nation.

Wayne Rooney for England yelling and pointing. — Wayne Rooney previously held the record. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Now, deserving for a player of Bellingham's quality, he has broken a long-standing Rooney record for his international side.

According to Opta, the 22-year-old has became the youngest player in England history to reach 50 caps for his nation.

Previously, Rooney held the record with an age of 23 years and 159 days at the time of his 50th appearance.

With a start this evening vs Ghana, Bellingham has claimed the record with an age of 22 years and 359 days on the evening of his 50th cap.

In that time, the youngster, who has played enough to practically be labelled a veteran, has scored seven goals for the Three Lions.

Jude Bellingham of England applauds the fans after the FIFA World Cup 2022 last 16 match between England and Senegal at the Al Bayt Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. — Bellingham has had a long England career already, at not even 23 years of age. (Image credit: Dale MacMilan/Soccrates/Getty Images)

England fans will have fond memories of those strikes, perhaps none more special than his 2024 stoppage time bicycle kick.

From keeping England in the 2024 UEFA European Championship when all hope appeared lost, to spearheading England's victory against Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, the Real Madrid man is compiling an international highlight reel for the ages.

On the night of his 50th appearance, can he deliver another special moment for the Three Lions, and secure knockout football for his nation?

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Kedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC, he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television, you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.