Bellingham turns doubters into believers

Standing tall, chest puffed out, and arms outstretched, Jude Bellingham’s trademark celebration has become one of the defining images of England’s World Cup.

However, not long ago, the Real Madrid midfielder was under growing scrutiny after an underwhelming club season. Some even argued Thomas Tuchel should “leave him out” of England’s World Cup squad. During qualifying, Morgan Rogers started most matches in Bellingham’s preferred role, further fuelling doubts about his place in the team.

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Fast forward to the semifinals, and those questions have vanished. England fans are now belting out The Beatles’ ‘Hey Jude’, celebrating the player who has become the heartbeat of this side.

Time and again, Bellingham has produced when England have needed him most.

His defining performance came in the Round of 16 against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium. In one of world football’s most intimidating venues, Bellingham struck twice within minutes to silence the home crowd and send England through.

After the match, he said England teams of the past would have "crumbled" under those circumstances.

History suggests he had a point. Previous England sides have often arrived at major tournaments weighed down by expectation, only to fall short when the pressure peaked.

This England team has not always been convincing either. They have rarely controlled games from start to finish, but they have possessed something many previous teams lacked: a player capable of deciding matches almost on his own. Whenever England have needed a moment of quality, Bellingham has provided it.

The quarterfinal against Norway followed a familiar script. England spent much of the game under pressure before Bellingham inspired a 2-1 comeback with another brace.

His first goal summed up his tournament. Spotting space in a crowded final third, he controlled a pass beautifully, surged into the box, and rifled a clinical left-footed finish into the net. It was a moment that combined technical excellence with the confidence to shoulder responsibility when it mattered most.

His influence, however, extends well beyond scoring. Protecting a 3-2 lead against Mexico in the closing stages, England appeared destined to concede an equaliser before Bellingham emerged from nowhere to produce a crucial clearance that seemed to be out of reach for keeper Jordan Pickford.

The numbers only reinforce his influence. With six goals, Bellingham is only the second midfielder to score six times at a single World Cup since James Rodriguez did so for Colombia in 2014. He also leads England in goal contributions (seven), big chances created (three), fouls won (12) and successful take-ons (12).

Yet the numbers tell only part of the story. Throughout this tournament, Bellingham has combined composure, leadership, and match-winning quality to become England’s driving force.

And as England prepare for a blockbuster semifinal against Argentina, they know exactly where they will look when the moment demands a hero once again, with even those who once doubted them now pinning their hopes on Bellingham to help England finally bring the World Cup home after 60 years.