On a hot and tense evening in Miami, Jude Bellingham showcased every quality that makes him one of football’s fiercest competitors. He scored both goals in England’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Norway, worked tirelessly from the first whistle to the last, and once again proved why he has become the driving force behind England’s World Cup campaign.
After the match, Bellingham revealed he had spent the week trying to control his emotions after some advice from his mother.
“My mum kept telling me all week to
watch my language, watch my tackles, watch my facial expressions and keep my emotions under control,” he said.
Those words were especially important as he tried to avoid picking up a costly yellow card.
Moments later, Bellingham responded to Thomas Tuchel’s criticism of England’s display, suggesting the conditions and quality of the opposition deserved greater recognition.
“Maybe he doesn’t know what it’s like to play in these conditions against players like Erling Haaland, Martin Ødegaard, Antonio Nusa and Alexander Sørloth,” Bellingham said. “That’s a really difficult team to face.”
It won’t be the first time a player has disagreed with his manager’s assessment, nor will it be the last. Such disagreements often fade quickly. But one thing is beyond question: Bellingham believes England can win the World Cup, and he is giving everything to make that happen. This tournament increasingly feels like his.
As supporters left the stadium, chants of “Wonderwall,” “Three Lions,” and songs about Tuchel echoed around Miami. Yet the loudest chorus was unmistakable: “Hey Jude.” England fans knew they had witnessed another match-winning display from their midfield star.
Tuchel’s Challenge Has Brought the Best Out of Bellingham
Tuchel’s relationship with Bellingham hasn’t always been smooth.
Last August, the England boss admitted
that his mother had found some aspects of Bellingham’s behaviour on the pitch “repulsive,” although he later apologised for using that description.
Then came another surprise. Despite being named England’s Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season, Bellingham missed the October squad after shoulder surgery. When he returned the following month, he was no longer guaranteed a starting place, with Morgan Rogers impressing in the No. 10 role.
While Bellingham continued to shine at Real Madrid and Rogers enjoyed periods of excellent form with Aston Villa, Tuchel made one thing clear: no player’s place was guaranteed.
He reinforced that message in June 2026.
“He is one of the starters, he knows that, but we have 14 or 15 players capable of starting. Those roles can always change.”
Bellingham appeared to respond exactly as elite players do—using the challenge as motivation.
A Tournament That Has Defined Him
Everything clicked once England arrived in the United States.
Strong performances in warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica transformed Bellingham from a likely starter into an automatic selection.
He announced himself with a stunning goal against Croatia before producing another tireless display against Ghana despite England’s struggles.
Against Panama, he broke the deadlock with a crucial strike in the 62nd minute. His relentless work rate continued against DR Congo before producing one of his finest performances against Mexico.
Bellingham scored twice in quick succession during the first half and later produced a vital interception to deny César Montes what looked like an inevitable equaliser. By the closing stages, he was suffering with cramp and could barely move, yet he still found the energy for one final defensive contribution to help England preserve their lead.
It was nothing short of heroic.
Another Match-Winning Display Against Norway
Norway presented perhaps England’s toughest challenge yet.
The heat drained both teams, and England struggled to find rhythm. Once again, Bellingham stepped forward.
His opening goal was outstanding. Timing his run perfectly, he glided through the Norwegian defence with three composed touches before firing across goalkeeper Ørjan Nyland to give England the lead.
Even after scoring, he never stopped working—stretching to reach crosses, absorbing heavy challenges and constantly making intelligent runs behind the defence.
His persistence was rewarded when he grabbed the winning goal.
Speaking afterwards, Bellingham revealed he had encouraged Morgan Rogers throughout the game.
“I kept telling Morgan to stay at it because I knew he’d make a difference. I’ve scored plenty of goals like that. The goalkeeper made a brilliant save initially, but fortunately the rebound fell kindly for me.”
Bellingham eventually left the pitch in the 111th minute after another exhausting performance. By full-time, he had collected his fourth Player of the Match award in just six World Cup appearances.
A Leader Prepared to Defend His Team
After the final whistle came another talking point.
Tuchel praised Bellingham as “absolutely brilliant” and in “world-class form,” but also criticised England’s overall display, describing it as “sloppy” and suggesting they had been fortunate to progress.
Those comments clearly struck a nerve.
Bellingham quickly defended his teammates.
“It was a masterclass in fight and spirit. I’m incredibly proud of what this team produced.”
That mentality is exactly what Tuchel has tried to build.
Managing exceptional talents has never been easy. Sir Alex Ferguson dealt with Eric Cantona’s unpredictable nature and Wayne Rooney’s fiery personality. Cristiano Ronaldo has always demanded careful management. Lionel Messi has had his own difficult moments, while Zinedine Zidane famously ended his career with a headbutt in a World Cup final.
Elite players often come with strong personalities. Great managers understand how to channel that passion into performances rather than conflict.
So far, Tuchel appears to be doing exactly that with Bellingham.
England’s Driving Force
Harry Kane has delivered whenever England have needed him, but Bellingham has become the heartbeat of this World Cup run.
His match-winning goals have helped England overcome the altitude of Mexico City and the punishing humidity of Miami. More importantly, he has embodied the mentality Tuchel demands—resilience, unity and relentless determination.
Bellingham remains focused on one objective.
“I’m enjoying my football and I’m grateful to be in a position where I can help my country win matches. I don’t care whether people say it’s my best tournament or not. As long as we keep winning, that’s all that matters.”
Those are words Tuchel—and every England supporter—will be delighted to hear.
