Jude Bellingham produced a larger-than-life performance as England underlined their World Cup credentials with a thrilling win over Mexico at the Aztecs.
Jude Bellingham produces England’s greatest ever show at Aztec (Image: Getty)
Jude Bellingham was “substandard” at this World Cup. And in Mexico City, against all odds, Bellingham produced one of the best performances ever by an English player.
It wasn’t just his two goals, but his tireless running and effort for the team as England achieved perhaps their biggest ever victory on foreign soil.
This was a great time for Bellingham. Michael Owen’s hat-trick against Germany in England’s 5-1 win in Munich in 2001 was at the top of the list. It was a masterclass for Wayne Rooney against Croatia at Euro 2004.
There was Paul Ince’s bloody heroics as England drew 0-0 in Rome in 1997, clinching their place in the World Cup. Or David Beckham’s one-man show against Greece at Old Trafford in 2001 that secured them a spot in the World Cup.
But this is actually the top of the lot. And to do so in front of 80,824 screaming fans at the iconic Azteca Stadium against a co-host country that has lost only two competitive games at home this century.
It was a career-defining performance for Bellingham, and one that proved beyond any doubt that he was a team player.
Yes, Bellingham attracted attention – he continued to do so throughout England’s World Cup campaign – but his tireless efforts for the team were just extraordinary.
Bellingham also set the tone and raised the bar, a level that was immediately contagious and resonated. They see Bellingham as a source of inspiration, watching him chase balls into corners, make goal-saving clearances and give his all for the cause.
Jude Bellingham was England’s hero, scoring twice to help the Three Lions reach the quarter-finals.
That’s why Harry Kane looked so sharp. they feed on each other. Declan Rice could barely move but put on a heroic display. Anthony Gordon was outstanding. Jordan Pickford stood firm. Dan Byrne and John Stones made a difference.
It was a team effort, but it was Bellingham who raised the bar, and when for years to come people talk about him being one of England’s all-time greats (and they will), this was his defining performance.
We need to move away from Thomas Tuchel’s “tough love” narrative. Because whether it was Birmingham City, Borussia Dortmund or Real Madrid, Bellingham was exactly the same. His drive is always there and that’s what makes him a special teams player.
England manager Tuchel has put him at the center of everything in his number 10 role and he has been rewarded for his performances in this tournament as a player who could belong in any team.
Asked about Bellingham’s level going into tournaments and matches, Tuchel said: “High, high. His determination is always exceptional and he loves moments like this.”
But I think he has a good mix of being relaxed, I see him very relaxed, I see him calm and I see him accepting the team pattern, he’s very reliable for us. Based on this, he places these additional moments and performances at the highest level. ”
The moment Tuchel described was Bellingham’s lung-busting run into the box to score. England are very lucky to have a generational talent who is already a leader at the age of 23 and can go on to become one of this country’s all-time greats.
If England won the World Cup, it would be easy to have that kind of conversation. He is the reason why England are able to continue their good form in this tournament, having been named Man of the Match three times in five games.
Bellingham is also the reason England will start Saturday’s quarter-final match against Norway as favorites. He gives England the X-factor they desperately need as he is a genuine global superstar.
He’s very good, very elegant, very smart. He has everything, including the ability and potential to become England’s greatest.
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