Jude Bellingham gives blunt Chelsea verdict as Real Madrid star helps Enzo Maresca make decision

Jude Bellingham has heaped praise on Noni Madueke following England's clash against the Republic of Ireland. The Chelsea winger played a key role in Lee Carsley's side as the Three Lions recorded a 5-0 win at Wembley Stadium on Sunday night, securing Nations League promotion.

Madueke has become a regular fixture in the England setup since Gareth Southgate stepped down in the summer. The 22-year-old, who had previously worked with Carsley in the under-21s, was first called up to the first team in September.

He was an unused substitute against Ireland before making his senior international debut a few days later. The Blues ace replaced Bukayo Saka on the right and, shortly after coming on, he teed up Harry Kane to double the Three Lions' lead over Finland.

READ MORE: Chelsea face potential selection crisis for Leicester City clash amid fresh injury concern

READ MORE: Palmer and Sancho start, Chilwell and Gusto call - Dream Chelsea behind-closed-doors friendly XI

Madueke has since remained in the England squad ahead of Thomas Tuchel's arrival in the new year, collecting five caps. Nevertheless, the former Tottenham Hotspur prospect marked the victory over Ireland with a celebratory post on Instagram.

The likes of Curtis Jones, Anthony Gordon, Carney Chukwuemeka, and even Cody Gakpo, flooded the comment section to show their support. Bellingham also left a message and, in one word, he summed up Madueke's performance, simply writing: "Sharp."

The Chelsea ace caught Reece James' eye over the international break, with his club captain commenting, 'another day at the office', on a previous post. Speaking to ITV after Sunday's game, Carsley claimed he felt 'a bit of relief' after taking England back to the top tier on European football.

"I wanted the England team to be exciting to watch, be attacking," said the interim manager. "I see them day in, day out on the training ground and now people have seen it. It's given the staff and myself the confidence we can do the job. You always doubt yourself, whether you could do it or not."

After impressing on the international stage, Madueke has given Enzo Maresca a team selection headache. The Italian must now decide who to start on the right-wing when Chelsea lock horns with Leicester City at the King Power Stadium this weekend.

Last month, Maresca heaped praise on Madueke for the progress he's been making, both on and off the ball. The Chelsea boss said: "It's not only about Cole [Palmer], it's about all the attacking players we have.

"You see how Noni in this moment is pressing. He's pressing forward, he's running back and he's doing very good with us, and not only because he's scoring goals. It's something we need from all the rest, players like Joao [Felix], Christo [Nkunku], Misha [Mudryk], Jadon [Sancho], these kind of players."