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There aren’t enough superlatives to describe what Judd Bellingham created at Azteca Cauldron.
The headlines will be two goals within 98 seconds of each other that put England well on their way to the World Cup quarter-finals, and understandably so. He became the first player since Diego Maradona to play a World Cup game at that stadium in 40 years.
What those who stayed up until dawn saw was a display of true heart, courage and determination from Thomas Tuchel. A performance to make any fan feel patriotic. Away from the goal, no one symbolized that more than Bellingham.
This is the same man who faced controversy over whether to start before the opener against Croatia. He was dropped from Tuchel’s team less than a year ago. The German also expressed his love for Morgan Rogers. His line-ups in pre-tournament friendlies suggest he will stick with Aston Villa.
Still, one of the game’s defining images at the Azteca saw Tuchel and Bellingham embrace at the full-time whistle. Any hint of hostility had disappeared. How can someone be critical of a 23 year old?
Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham celebrate after England’s 3-2 win over Mexico
He left everything on the field. Forget goals, as important as they were. It didn’t add up to Bellingham’s night. It was about every blade of grass she ran into. It was about the tackle he won. Take-on surrounded by four players when he completed.
A goal line clearance to stop Mexico from equalizing on the stroke of half time. His desire to keep running when his gas tank is depleted. There was only a look in his eyes. There was an incredible moment in the dying embers of second-half stoppage time where England won a throw-in in the Mexican half. Bellingham is seen grabbing the aforementioned Rogers’ face and telling him to move on.
Despite Rodgers only being on the pitch for about 10 minutes while Bellingham played nearly 100, he urged his new teammates to join him in the trenches.
Pre-tournament, it seemed as if Tuchel never doubted Bellingham’s quality. The questions were more aimed at his mindset. He settled at Real Madrid. He is undoubtedly a superstar. He is surrounded by other superstars who have been criticized for not giving everything for their teams. Perhaps it rubbed off a little on Bellingham? Maybe that was Tuchel’s concern.
This performance alone should stop that. Jude Bellingham’s attitude when he pulls on an England shirt can never be questioned again. Not after that. Not after a superhuman effort under suboptimal conditions.
Jude Bellingham celebrates with Anthony Gordon after the Barcelona-bound winger won England a crucial second-half penalty
Bellingham did it all. But, to a certain extent, we should not be surprised by this. It has happened in all tournaments.
His numbers this summer have been among the best offensively, creatively and defensively. Simply put, Bellingham ranks as one of the best attackers, midfielders and defenders in England. At this point, you can target him and have nothing to worry about.
Is that a bit of an overkill? Of course it is. But when the words fail to add up to what this man has done, exaggeration is a necessity.
Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Bellingham claimed that any of his teammates could have done what he did.
“I know what I can offer the team but make no mistake about it, we’ve got 26 guys out there who did exactly what I did tonight,” he said.
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Judd Bellingham reacts to England’s win over Mexico in the World Cup
“I’m sure of it. I hope that a win like this can give them the same conviction.”
The simple truth is, he is wrong. The stats show that no one can do what he does at both ends of the pitch to such a high standard.
Still, he’s not one to let superstardom go to their heads. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
These are the words of a boy from Birmingham who is proud to represent his country, to stand by his countrymen and give everything he’s got and anything for that shirt.
As if he couldn’t do anything to make fans love him more, he said everyone was thinking one thing.
“Text your bosses and tell them you’re not going to work tomorrow.”
In one sentence, you’ve seen a man turn any doubter he can’t stand still, instead turning him into his biggest supporter.
He does what he does on the pitch and says what he says afterwards, because one thing is clear. He is committed to England. That much can never be questioned again.
