Steven Gerrard pays the ultimate compliment to Jude Bellingham with a huge claim in comparison

Steven Gerrard insists Jude Bellingham is 'ahead' of where he was when the Liverpool icon was 19. Bellingham, who has been linked with a summer switch to the Reds, had named Gerrard as his 'idol' before the former England captain made the comparison.

The Borussia Dortmund star stood alongside Gerrard after England's 2-0 win over Ukraine and was asked about his childhood heroes. Bellingham said of the former midfielder: "The way he could carry teams, the teams he played for, the way he could win a game on his own... he could do anything as a midfielder. I've said it many times that [my idol] is you."

Gerrard replied modestly, "Well, let me tell you, you're much more advanced than I am at your age. So you're headed in the right direction, that's for sure."

Pressed on why he thought that by Channel 4 presenter Jules Breach, Gerrard continued: "Well, for starters, he's got a better body than I had at 19. I'm serious! I don't never had this power and strength until I was 22-23 years old.

"So he's definitely more physically developed than me. He's more confident on the ball than me, in terms of tries. I'm not saying that just to be modest, but I think he's more advanced than I was at 19.

"Don't get me wrong, I got where I wanted to go, and he's going to get where he wants to go if he keeps doing what he's been doing. He's a fantastic player. He just needs keep playing well, keep playing well and the rest will take care of itself."

Bellingham produced another excellent performance to help England beat Ukraine. Goals from Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka gave the Three Lions two wins from two to kick off their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.