Club rivalries? Shelved. Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon are too busy tearing defences apart on international duty to worry about the badge on their chest — and Real Madrid fans should be absolutely buzzing watching their man run the show for England once again.
What Happened
England travelled to Rijeka to face Croatia in a UEFA Nations League fixture on Saturday, and it was two La Liga stars who stole the headlines. Bellingham, lining up from the start in his usual dynamic role, and Gordon — the Barcelona forward — were both selected in the starting XI and quickly made their presence felt in what shaped up to be a dominant Three Lions display.
The goal itself was a slick team move finished off with real quality. Bukayo Saka picked out Gordon at the back post, and the Barcelona man did brilliantly to swivel before driving a low ball across the six-yard box. All Bellingham had to do was apply the finish — and apply it he did. A simple tap-in on paper, but the movement, the awareness, and the link-up play that created it was anything but simple.
What makes this even sweeter is that it’s becoming a habit. Just last weekend, Bellingham turned provider for Gordon in England’s clash with Spain — so Gordon has now returned the favour against Croatia. These two are quietly developing one of the most productive partnerships in the England squad, all while technically representing bitter Clásico rivals back in Spain.
What It Means for Real Madrid
For the Madridista faithful, this is exactly the kind of international break content you want to see. Bellingham arriving back from the break in form, full of confidence, and with another goal to his name is the perfect recipe heading into the busy stretch of the season. The England midfielder has always been the sort of player who feeds off momentum — when he’s scoring and creating at this level, you know he’s in a good headspace.
It’s also a reminder of just how important Bellingham is not only to Real Madrid but to every team he represents. Since arriving at the Bernabéu, he has consistently shown the ability to pop up in decisive moments — whether that’s driving runs from deep, arriving late into the box, or contributing in both halves of the pitch. Goals from midfield are invaluable, and Bellingham delivers them at the highest level with a regularity that very few players in world football can match.
There’s also something quietly satisfying — from a neutral football perspective, at least — about watching a Real Madrid player and a Barcelona player combine so effectively the moment they pull on the same international shirt. It underlines the quality that both clubs bring to the Spanish game, even if neither set of fans would ever admit to appreciating the other’s player on a matchday at the Bernabéu or the Spotify Camp Nou.
What’s Next
With the international break now winding down, attention will quickly turn back to club football. Real Madrid will be eager to get Bellingham back in the fold and fully focused on the challenges ahead in La Liga and the Champions League. The hope, as always, is that he returns unscathed and carrying this kind of form directly into the next fixture.
If Saturday’s performance against Croatia is anything to go by, whoever Real Madrid face next has every reason to be worried. When Bellingham is linking up like this, moving with this much purpose, and finishing with this much composure, he’s as close to unplayable as midfielders get. The Bernabéu can’t wait to have him back.
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