World Cup 2026: England 4-2 Croatia – Jude Bellingham says ‘chip on shoulder’ could help him find top form

Jude Bellingham says outside “noise” around his place in the England squad could help him find his best form during the World Cup.

One of the main selection topics ahead of England’s first group game against Croatia is whether boss Thomas Tuchel will choose Real Madrid’s Bellingham or Aston Villa’s Morgan Rodgers in the No.10 role behind captain Harry Kane.

Bellingham was chosen to start in Dallas and scored England’s crucial third goal just after half-time, with Marcus Rashford adding a late fourth for a 4-2 win.

“For me personally, to put some noise aside and show my country and my teammates how committed I am to helping us win football matches,” the 22-year-old, who is playing for England in his fourth consecutive major tournament, told BBC Sport.

“Contributing, helping my team and helping my country is one of the biggest honors and regardless of the noise outside, that honor doesn’t change at all for me.”

Bellingham admitted it had been “a bit of a tough season for me”, with the start of his 2025-26 campaign hampered by injury, with his club side eight points behind eventual champions Barcelona in Spain and his place in the national team under scrutiny.

But Bellingham said he felt “fresh and sharp” going into the tournament and was “good to hear” comments from colleagues such as Jordan Henderson, who said the former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund player gave England an “X-factor”.

Asked if he entered the World Cup with extra motivation, Bellingham said: “A bit – I think I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder, don’t I?”