Steven Gerrard's interview with Jude Bellingham felt like an approach on Liverpool's behalf

On a straightforward evening for England, one of the more significant moments came after the players had departed the Wembley pitch and most of the fans had left. Down on the touchline, in front of the television cameras and the viewers at home, a torch appeared to be passed from one generational midfield talent to another.

Post-match television interviews are rarely memorable events. Most players are happy to get the three points, proud of the team effort and looking forward to the next game. Same old questions, same old answers. When Jude Bellingham met Steven Gerrard, though, there was a resonance to the occasion.

Especially when the pair began to speak so glowingly about each other, with Gerrard delivering some remarkable praise for the 19-year-old, who appears to be the most gifted of his midfield successors on the international stage.

The subplot here, of course, is that there are many people at Anfield — among them, Jurgen Klopp — who hope that Bellingham will also be Gerrard’s long-term heir in Liverpool’s midfield, as well as England’s. A summer of change is drawing closer for Bellingham, and Liverpool are known to be among the clubs who are desperate to lure him from Borussia Dortmund.

Part of Liverpool’s pitch to Bellingham, who will effectively have his pick of Europe’s top clubs this summer, is that he can become their new Gerrard. The heartbeat of the team, and the midfield warrior around whom the club are built. Such a thought would appeal to any player, let alone one who idolised Gerrard as a youngster.

“I am nervous now,” Bellingham smiled, side-by-side with Gerrard, as he was asked on Channel 4 whether Gerrard was one of his role models. “Yeah, definitely. The things Stevie could do, in terms of the teams he played in, the way he carried the team, the way he could single-handedly win a game, he could do everything as a midfielder. I’ve said it multiple times, I looked up to you and your game so it’s a pleasure to be stood here right now.”

The affection, clearly, is mutual. “Listen,” Gerrard began. “Let me tell you right now, you are a lot further ahead than I was at your age. You are going in the right direction, that is for sure.”

Pressed on why the teenage Bellingham was so superior to the teenage Gerrard, the former England captain replied: “Well, for one he has a better body than I had at 19. I never had that power and strength until I was 22, 23.

“He is more confident than me on the ball in terms of what he will try. I’m not just saying that to be modest. That is the truth — I think he’s further on than I was at 19. Don’t get me wrong, I got to where I wanted to get to, and he will naturally get to where he wants to if he carries on doing what he’s doing, but he’s in a fantastic place.

“Everything else around him, he needs to park it up, just keep playing well and everything will take care of itself.”

Some praise, from one of the greatest midfielders the English game has produced. There is statistical merit to it, too. At Bellingham’s age, Gerrard had yet to represent his country. Bellingham already has 24 caps (only Wayne Rooney earned more as a teenager).

At Bellingham’s age, Gerrard had made 32 appearances in the Premier League, scoring one goal and registering two assists. Bellingham has 85 Bundesliga appearances to his name, along with eight goals and 15 assists.

There are no guarantees in football, but there is a reason why Bellingham is widely regarded as the surest bet of all the world’s young midfielders.

In England’s comfortable victory over Ukraine, he controlled the centre of the pitch with his physical power and technical quality. One little run, including a delicious nutmeg, produced as many gasps from the home crowd as Harry Kane’s opening goal.

Liverpool fans will no doubt be hoping that Gerrard’s intervention makes a difference. Gerrard will surely be hoping that, too.

The race for Bellingham’s signature is intensifying, and Liverpool know they will need to pull every lever if they are to beat Manchester City, Real Madrid and Manchester United to his signature. In time, perhaps this meeting of two midfield minds will come to be regarded as an important step in that process.