Gianfranco Zola left Jude Bellingham and his fellow pundits in stitches after a bizarre compliment of the midfielder’s performance for England against Italy.

Bellingham helped the Three Lions qualify for Euro 2024 with a stunning display during their 3-1 victory over the Azzurri at Wembley on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old played as a No 10 and dominated the midfield as he won a first half penalty – which Harry Kane scored from – before setting up Marcus Rashford for England’s second. 

‘I have to say it makes me laugh this guy,’ Zola said on Channel 4’s coverage of the game when addressing Bellingham, fellow pundits Jill Scott and Joe Cole and presenter Jules Breach.

Jude Bellingham was left in hysterics by Gianfranco Zola after being paid a bizarre compliment

The midfielder put in a player of the match display as the Three Lions beat Italy 3-1 at Wembley

‘At 20-years-old, I was still drinking milk from my mum and this guy is so huge. I’m very impressed.’ 

The comments from Zola had Bellingham, Scott, Cole and Breach in hysterics as they could barely believe what he had said, before Bellingham joked :’Not directly!’

Bellingham’s display was the latest chapter of what is turning out to be a memorable season for the Real Madrid star, with the midfielder having netted 10 times in 10 games for the Spanish giants since his summer move for a fee rising to £113m.

He has helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side rise to the top of LaLiga, while they are also currently first in their Champions League group after two wins from two.

The 20-year-old – who measures at 6ft1ins – has already racked up 27 caps for England since his debut in November 2020 and will be integral if Gareth Southgate’s side are to win the Euros next summer.

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On Tuesday night, Italy couldn’t deal with Bellingham as he was England’s game changer.

His elegant stride into the penalty area to coax the challenge won the penalty for Kane’s equaliser, before he showed that same beautiful gait to stride away and assist Rashford for the second. 

Speaking after his scintillating performance, Bellingham added on Channel 4: ‘I am getting a little better each time I play. 

‘It was a really good night for us, we all remember what happened a few years ago when they played us here. You always aim for progression. We are heading in the right direction and a very important win for us.

‘I am loving football at the minute. My management at club and country are giving me freedom to play it how I see it.

Zola joked that at Bellingham’s age of 20, he was still drinking breast milk from his mother 

England secured their place at next summer’s Euro 2024 in Germany with the win on Tuesday

‘Since the last few months I have been really working on my timing getting into the box and as I am arriving I am arriving with a big hunger.

‘With the big transfer the fact is I have to deliver, whether it is a goal or assist or a match-winning performance.

‘This is the club I want to be at for the next 10 to 15 years of my life. I am loving it there. Carlo basically said this position is where he sees me.’

England face two more Euro 2024 qualifiers next month when they host Malta and then travel to North Macedonia.