Jude Bellingham silenced the critics with a blistering display against Croatia that left no doubt about his place in England's starting XI. His strike, which sealed England's 4-2 victory, was the icing on the cake of an electric performance that saw him dominate the midfield and leave his mark on the game.
The road to this breakout moment has been a bumpy one for the Real Madrid midfielder. A shoulder injury forced him to miss crunch qualifiers in September, paving the way for Morgan Rogers to impress in his absence. Tuchel's decision to omit Bellingham from the subsequent squad despite his return to fitness raised eyebrows, especially after the manager's infamous comments about his on-field antics – later apologised as a slip of the tongue.
Even leading up to the World Cup opener, Tuchel's endorsement of Bellingham was lukewarm at best. When asked about selecting him over Rogers, the manager played it cool, stating it was 'really close' and that they stuck with the team that started so well against Costa Rica. It seemed a subtle swipe at Bellingham's unique talents and big-game appetite, despite his history of scoring crucial goals.
But Bellingham proved them all wrong with a masterclass performance against Croatia. His goal was just one part of an impressive display that showcased his ability to control the midfield, picking up passes deep and distributing effectively. This was no flash in the pan – he dictated play and managed the game's tempo throughout, particularly in the second half when England needed him most.
At just 22 years old, Bellingham is already a seasoned campaigner, participating in his fourth major international tournament. Acquired by Real Madrid for an estimated €103 million at 19, he's proven himself to be one of the world's top young talents. His ability to perform under pressure and influence games at the highest level suggests that his role in Tuchel's World Cup plans will only continue to grow.