England need to throw a protective arm around Real Madrid youngster Jude Bellingham.

That is the view of former England captain Wayne Rooney, who is now the Birmingham City manager.

Rooney, who also broke onto the scene as a teenager, admits that at 20 years of age, Bellingham could go on to become one of his nation's best ever players.

Per The Mirror, Rooney said: “What he's doing is incredible. He showed his ability and maturity by taking a gamble and going to Dortmund - and it was a gamble. Then, to go to the next level at Real Madrid and start the season the way he has with England, it's been great.

“He's in such a good run of form. At the minute, he's one of the best players in the world. He's in purple patch.

“In my eyes, he's a future captain. He's really impressed with how he handles himself, how he speaks, how he plays - he's a leader already - at the age of 20.

“But I think what's important is that he will have a dip and it's important we don't kill him when that happens. It will happen. Jude has the potential to be one of, if not, the best if he keeps going the way he is.

“But we have to support him."