Jude Bellingham had to absorb criticism from England national team manager Thomas Tuchel, even though he was nearly the man to carry the Three Lions to the European Championship a couple of years ago. But ever the sportsman, Jude never went against the coach and simply stepped up to an even higher level.
At the 2026 World Cup, Jude is carrying on the tradition of Real Madrid stars balling out at the tournament. He had excellent performances in the first two matches, including a goal against Croatia, and he capped off the group stage with another goal and an assist to help England beat a Panama side that is much improved from the last time the two faced in the 2018 World Cup.
But it wasn't just the goal and the assist for the midfielder either. Bellingham had a phenomenal all around performance with four key passes, four fouls drawn, and three dribbles completed to lead the team in all major offensive categories. And then he still led the team defensively with four tackles in a monster class, grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and elevating his team once more.
Jude Bellingham is the star of England
The message was sent clear and simple to Thomas Tuchel and the rest of the world, and for the remainder of the World Cup with the Round of 32 coming up, Tuchel has to know that this is Jude Bellingham's team. He is the clear leader and star of this team, and in every way a player can influence the game, this special midfielder brings it to a level greater than that of his opponents.
Bellingham is a truly special midfielder, and while Tuchel has set a different standard on the player and not always shown him the proper appreciation, even he can't deny him his starting spot or his importance in the squad.
Because the conversation is no longer about whether or not Jude should start or Morgan Rogers, and it does not even matter what his role is. Just play him. Just play Jude and let him be his best. All Tuchel has to do is realize his biggest key to victory is trusting Bellingham and giving him the keys to the team.
And you can say, well, it is only Panama, but Panama played well in this World Cup in the other games, and both of the goals were either Jude's or produced by Jude. He is the team's shining example.
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