Matthaus tells England to start Bellingham in 'every game'

Lothar Matthaus has urged England to start Jude Bellingham in every World Cup game in Qatar.

The Three Lions head into the tournament in poor form, winning none of their last six competitive games, their worst streak before a major tournament.

Questions over Gareth Southgate's first-choice XI remain, with the manager remaining loyal to those who performed well at the 2018 World Cup and last year's European Championship.

However, Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham has worked his way into the squad and started England's last three games, with Bayern Munich and West Germany great Matthaus believing that this streak should continue in the next tournament.

"He's someone that English football fans must be extremely excited about," the 61-year-old Bundesliga TV pundit told FourFourTwo.

"With his mentality, he's not someone who should be treated like a young player hoping for a few minutes here and there, he's a player who should start every game.

"He is becoming an important part of the national team and in my opinion has the potential to be one of the best midfielders England have ever produced.

"I myself have played against very good players and I see these qualities in him."

England begin their group stage against Iran on November 21, then face the United States and Wales in Group B.