World Cup 2022: Ferdinand Jokes at Bellingham’s Age After Performance

• Jude Bellingham once again turned up big in England's midfield in the 3-0 win over Senegal in the round of 16 match
• Former England player Rio Ferdinand joked Bellingham is not 19 and he needs to see his birth certificate
• Bellingham is attracting interest from Europe's top clubs with Real Madrid hinted as the preferred destination

England dispatched the Teranga Lions of Senegal yesterday with a convincing 3-0 win to proceed to the quarterfinals of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Three Lions opened the scoring through Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, but it was Jude Bellingham who provided a brilliant assist for the goal.

Bellingham was a rock in the midfield for England and he further proved why Birmingham retired his jersey after his move to Dortmund after just 44 games, as reported by Sky Sports.

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The performance made former England defender Rio Ferdinand to joke at Bellingham that he is not 19 and he needs to see his birth certificate.

Is Bellingham older than 19?

Jude Bellingham has defied age since he broke on to the scene as a 14-year-old for Birmingham City's under-18s and made the senior team at 16.

He is physically, mentally and tactically mature beyond his age and it certainly raises questions as to whether he is truly 19. Born in England in 2003, it can't be faulted that he is truly the age he claims to be.

Rio Ferdinand's comment were all jokes and amazement at his level of performance despite his age and nothing malicious was intended.

Manchester City want Bellingham

Sports Brief reported that Manchester City and Pep Guardiola are willing to sell Jack Grealish to fund the transfer fee for Jude Bellingham.

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Bellingham is one of the most sought-after youngsters in world football. Dortmund will almost certainly sell, but for a good fee in 2023 with Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Real Madrid interested.

Jack Grealish has been underwhelming since his £100m (a British transfer record) move from Aston Villa 18 months ago. City are now willing to cut their losses.