Gary Neville has declared Jude Bellingham England's standout player at the World Cup, insisting the Real Madrid star is performing on a different level to Harry Kane and the rest of Thomas Tuchel's squad.
Kane made history by becoming England's leading goalscorer at World Cup finals during Saturday's 2-0 victory over Panama, heading home from Bellingham's cross to wrap up top spot in Group L.
But despite the captain's latest landmark, Neville believes there is only one player currently carrying England through the tournament.
Bellingham once again produced the decisive moment, breaking the deadlock with an outstanding improvised finish before turning provider for Kane's record-breaking header.
Speaking on ITV after England secured a third straight victory, Neville had no hesitation when asked whether Bellingham had emerged as the Three Lions' best player in North America.
"Absolutely," Neville replied.
"He's the one player who looks like he's in form, who's fresh, sharp, lively. He's played at the level you'd expect.
"The rest of them are going to have to get to his level and form quite quickly. Thomas Tuchel said we will step up for the bigger games - they're going to have to."
Gary Neville has declared Jude Bellingham England's standout player at the World Cup, insisting the Real Madrid star is performing on a different level to Harry Kane and the rest of Thomas Tuchel's squad
|ITV
Jude Bellingham stole the show as England saw off Panama | GETTYNeville's comments came despite Kane stealing the headlines by overtaking Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading scorer at World Cup finals.
Instead, the former Manchester United defender argued Bellingham has consistently been the driving force behind England's campaign and believes his team-mates must now match his standards if they are to challenge for the trophy.
Neville was particularly impressed by the quality of the midfielder's opening goal, praising his composure inside a crowded penalty area.
"From being a defender in that position, you are pressing against the forward, looking to do enough to disrupt him and put him off," he explained.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Match stats from England's 2-0 win over Panama at the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS"How Jude kept control and his eye on the ball and the technique to finish is absolutely brilliant."
England endured another frustrating first half against Panama, struggling to break down stubborn opponents before Bellingham transformed the contest after the interval.
His goal finally unlocked Panama's defence before his inch-perfect delivery allowed Kane to seal victory with a trademark header.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright echoed Neville's admiration, insisting Bellingham's confidence should be celebrated rather than criticised.
"I've always backed Jude," Wright said.
"What we've seen him do, what he's capable of doing. He's confident.
"The fact he has a lot of confidence, people kind of interpret it as arrogance. But he's someone who plays exactly the same no matter who he plays against.
"He goes for it and wants to do the best he can. He wants to put the team on his shoulders and run with it. He relishes it."
Harry Kane netted England's second goal against Panama | PAKane, meanwhile, insists England fear nobody as they prepare for Wednesday's showdown with DR Congo.
“For us, we take who we’re given,” he said.
“Whoever it is we’ll prepare well and it will be a tough game, as we’ve seen in all our games so far this tournament.
“For now, it’s about enjoying what we have done, you can never take it for granted, seven points and top of the group.
"Let’s just take a breath and enjoy the qualification.
“We’ll have time to prepare, we’re in a rhythm now, every three or four days, ready to go. For now, we will take this in and enjoy this moment.”