Jude Bellingham's influential second-half performance in England's 4-2 World Cup victory against Croatia appears to have decisively cemented his place as Thomas Tuchel's preferred No. 10. The Real Madrid star, who scored England's third goal, delivered a display that seemingly dispelled lingering doubts from his manager, despite a period of public scrutiny and private reservations.
The relationship between Bellingham and Tuchel has, at times, been a complex one. Tuchel had previously questioned Bellingham's on-field behaviour, an comment he later apologised for, attributing it to a slip of the tongue. The manager also grappled with the choice between Bellingham and Morgan Rogers for the attacking midfield role, particularly after Bellingham missed crucial September qualifiers due to shoulder surgery, a period when Rogers impressed in a 5-0 win against Serbia. Tuchel even omitted Bellingham from a subsequent camp despite his return to fitness.
Even leading up to the Croatia match, Bellingham's starting position was not guaranteed. Tuchel described the decision to start him over Rogers as 'really close' and a '50-50 call', referencing England's strong performance against Costa Rica in a previous fixture. This assessment, rather than a ringing endorsement of Bellingham's individual qualities, underscored the manager's cautious approach.
However, Bellingham's impact in the Croatia game, particularly in the second half, proved pivotal. After losing possession in the build-up to Croatia's first goal, he rebounded with an outstanding display of control and composure. His ability to receive passes in deep positions and retain possession under intense pressure, especially in the summer heat and high-stakes tournament conditions, was crucial in helping England maintain control – an area where previous England teams have sometimes struggled.
Bellingham's sheer presence and aura within the squad are also significant. At just 22 years old, he is already participating in his fourth major tournament, having won the Champions League with Real Madrid at 20 after a €103m transfer at 19. This level of experience and achievement at such a young age is exceptional, distinguishing him from many peers and even seasoned veterans like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard, who reached their fourth major tournaments at 30 and 36 respectively.
His performance against Croatia, capped by his goal, served as a powerful statement, demonstrating why his unique talents and big-game appetite are indispensable to England's ambitions in the tournament, ultimately winning over a manager who had previously harboured reservations.