Jude Bellingham was key to England’s best start to their World Cup campaign against Croatia, but revealed his inspirational motivation for his time at the Three Lions
Jude Bellingham celebrates the England vs. Croatia win (Image: Getty Images)
Jude Bellingham says he will “do everything” to help England aim for World Cup glory. Real Madrid superstar Bellingham has shown himself to be just that, saying he is fulfilling his boyhood dream of playing for England.
Bellingham got off to a great start, inspiring England to a win over Croatia in their opening group game, and will face Ghana in Boston on Tuesday.
England midfielder Bellingham said in an interview with FIFA: “When I cross the line, I wear that badge on the front and number 10 on the back of my shirt. I try to give it everything I have.”
“It’s every footballer’s dream to play in a World Cup and I’ve been lucky enough to play in a World Cup already and now I’m back in the team for my second World Cup.
“My responsibility to the team and my country is to give everything I have. It’s been a gradual process to be here as part of the England squad.”
“I wore the captain’s armband for the first time in a friendly and it means I’m progressing in the right direction and I know I can contribute whether it’s starting or off the bench and I know the other players deserve to play as well. But I think I’m more than ready to give my time to the team.”
Bellingham also paid tribute to his family, saying they are at the center of his heart, especially when the national anthem is played before kickoff.
He added: “I think the national anthem is my last chance to really reflect on the people who have brought me here and what it means to be from England.” That includes his late grandfather, who passed away just before the midfielder made his debut for England. “I remember my grandfather who passed away just before he made his England debut. He was very patriotic,” Bellingham said.
“He was British through and through. He told me all the facts about every war, every battle, every king, every queen.”
Jude Bellingham played a key role in England’s win over Croatia (Image: Getty Images)
Bellingham admitted that his grandfather is always on his mind whenever he lines up with his England team-mates before a match. “When that moment comes, I think of my grandfather,” he said. The 22-year-old also paid tribute to his support network, including his parents, brother and fellow footballer Jobe Bellingham, who have helped him get to the top. “I also think about the rest of my family and the sacrifices they made to get me to this stage,” Bellingham added. “My mother, father and my brother Jobe were all very important to me. My brother was always my support.”
Meanwhile, Bellingham also believes that calmness and maturity on the pitch could lead to better, more controlled performances.
Tuchel aims to utilize Bellingham’s talents in the US (Image: Getty Images)
“I think the players who are more calm and relaxed than usual are the players who understand what they have to do and don’t get carried away by the atmosphere. Those are the players who usually look like they’re a step up.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel’s set-pieces showed he is taking a break from Arsenal’s playbook this World Cup. Declan Rice converted a corner for Harry Kane’s second goal in the win over Croatia, and England have been working hard on corner and free-kick practice this week.
Arsenal duo Rice and teammate Bukayo Saka have been regulars at set-pieces in training and after their shots helped the Gunners win the title, England look set to follow the same path to success.
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