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But from World Cup warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica, things began to look different – Bellingham impressed.
In the opening game of the World Cup against Croatia, Bellingham scored a superb solo goal to put England up 3–2.
And against Panama, with England struggling for a breakthrough in the final group game, Bellingham scored the crucial goal to break the deadlock.
Although he was substituted in all three group games, Bellingham’s form remained strong.
Against DR Congo in the last 32, he played a dominant full-game.
And then comes Mexico.
Two goals in an iconic win – heralded as one of England’s greatest ever away victories – cemented his resurgence.
He won three Man of the Match awards in five matches.
Those awards meant he had to give media interviews, where he portrayed both maturity and humility, playing his part and advocating for the team’s work ethic and unity, while praising his opponents – even giving one of his players the award to another team.
After celebrating ‘RK’ in 2024, this time he said he would rather assist than score.
His tune changes with his performance on the field. His work rate is a driving force alongside his talent – remember his goal saving challenge against Mexico.
He has won plaudits for being adaptable, particularly for shifting between the 10 and eight roles at times depending on the team’s needs, and is a key part of England’s leadership group alongside Kane and others.
It is not known exactly what happened to Tuchel and Bellingham.
There was some level of German in asserting his leadership over the whole squad – perhaps recognizing and managing that main character syndrome?
But whatever the truth, Bellingham has looked happy, played well and been a key part of a squad that seems genuinely together.
It’s easy to forget what he’s accomplished given that Bellingham is only 23. He had to become the brightest spotlight.
Bellingham – and Kane – are widely regarded as England’s indispensable superstars.
And with a quarter-final against Norway on Saturday, there could be more goals to cement his greatness.
