World Cup 2026: England’s Jude Bellingham return to indispensability
However, in the World Cup friendly matches against New Zealand and Kosta Rice, things started to look different; Bellingham was impressive.
In the first World Cup match against Croatia, Bellingham scored a stunning solo goal to put England 3-2 ahead.
And against Panama, Bellingham scored the crucial goal to break the deadlock as England struggled to make a breakthrough in their final group match.
Bellingham’s form was strong as they were substituted in all three group matches.
He played an effective full game against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the last 32.
And then came Mexico.
Two goals in the iconic victory billed as one of England’s greatest away wins cemented its resurgence.
He won three player of the match awards in five appearances.
These awards mean he has to do media interviews where he displays both maturity and humility, downplaying his role and talking about the team’s work ethic and togetherness, praising his opponents, even awarding one of his players to the other team.
After the ‘who else’ celebration in 2024, he said he would prefer to make an assist rather than score a goal this time.
The change in tone of voice matches their performance on the field. His work rate is a driving force alongside his talent; Remember the goal-saving challenge against Mexico?
He has been praised for his adaptability, particularly for operating between 10 and 8 roles at times depending on the team’s needs, and is a key part of the England leadership group alongside Kane and others.
It is not known exactly what happened to Tuchel and Bellingham.
Was it all over-the-top, or was there a degree to which the German asserted his leadership over the entire team – perhaps he was recognizing and managing this protagonist syndrome?
But whatever the truth, Bellingham looked happy, played well and was an important part of a squad that really looked together.
For all he’s accomplished, it’s easy to forget that Bellingham is only 23 years old. It had to ripen under the brightest light.
Bellingham and Kane are considered indispensable superstars of the England team.
There could be more goals to cement his greatness in Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway.
