Can Bellingham make El Clasico statement with English sub-plot?

Jude Bellingham is already a hero among Real Madrid fans.

The 22-year-old midfielder has had a difficult start to the campaign after injury and growing questions around his place in England's World Cup squad.

But, as he prepares for Sunday's El Clasico against Barcelona, the former Birmingham City man will be determined to prove to everyone - including Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel - he is still England's leading man in La Liga.

It is set to be the first El Clasico to feature two English players in opposition, with Barcelona's in-form forward Marcus Rashford set to face Bellingham.

The involvement of a third - Real full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold - is unlikely because of injury, as Madrid look to stretch their two-point lead at the top over their bitter rivals.

For Bellingham, an El Clasico provides the perfect stage to make a statement.

The defining fixture of Spanish football, there will be more than 80,000 fans packed inside the Bernabeu - the majority being passionate Madridistas.

And Bellingham will know Tuchel's eyes and the eyes of more than 650 million viewers will also be on him.