World Cup 2026: England star Jude Bellingham hits heights with Messi next

Bellingham’s “Who Else?” He was famous for speaking out. He turned to England fans for saving them the embarrassment of losing to Slovakia at Euro 2024.

It was after a spectacular header equalizer in Gelsenkirchen, with the clock showing 94 minutes and 34 seconds. This set the stage for England to win in extra time in the last 16.

He has had ups and downs since then, and was even left out of head coach Thomas Tuchel’s squad at one point.

This World Cup has only been an upward curve.

Bellingham’s “who else?” He could be forgiven for raising the question again. Two goals to defeat Norway after a double in the 3-2 win in Mexico City.

It was also the latest example of Bellingham’s ability to score goals at vital moments and make decisive contributions when England needed them most.

Nine of the 12 goals he scored for England were scored in major tournaments. Five put England ahead and two equalised.

Only Gary Lineker (he scored six in 1986) had scored more non-penalty goals in a single World Cup, and Bellingham had a chance to add more before this tournament was over.

And to cement his status as a world-class player, Erling Haaland is the only other player in this World Cup to score with his left foot, right foot and head.

In short, he displays an incredibly impressive dynamism in the types of goals he scores. Some were classic poacher goals, others got to the right place in the box at the right time and then there were those moments of pure individual brilliance where power, speed and skill were on display.