Jude Bellingham believes England have everything they need to become world champions after inspiring one of the greatest FIFA World Cup victories in the nation’s history with a stirring 3-2 win over Mexico.
Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame daunting odds to reach the quarter-finals, silencing more than 80,000 home supporters at the Estadio Azteca, where Mexico had suffered only two defeats in 89 previous matches and had never lost in 10 World Cup games.
England’s task became even tougher when Jarell Quansah was sent off, forcing the visitors to play the entire second half with 10 men at high altitude.
By then, however, Bellingham had already delivered the platform for victory.
The Real Madrid midfielder stunned the Azteca into silence by stooping to head England in front before striking again just 98 seconds later, surging into the box to convert Harry Kane’s cross for his fourth goal of the tournament.
“It’s the best night of my England career. Just unbelievable,” Bellingham said.
His influence extended well beyond the scoresheet.
After Julian Quinones pulled Mexico back into the contest, Cesar Montes looked certain to equalise before half-time until Bellingham produced a crucial goal-line clearance, capping a complete midfield display.
Still only 23, Bellingham is already playing in his fourth major tournament and has embraced the responsibility of leading England’s new generation.
Alongside captain Kane, England’s two biggest stars have carried their side into a quarter-final against Norway despite performances that have often fallen short of their full potential.
“I’m aware of the responsibility; I’m aware of the pressure that I carry along with all the other players,” Bellingham said.
“Each player has a different responsibility on the pitch in terms of their roles, but I know what I can offer to the team.”
‘We shouldn’t fear anyone’
England’s dramatic triumph only strengthened Bellingham’s belief that this squad has what it takes to end the country’s 60-year wait to lift a major trophy.
“I’m convinced of it, and I hope that a win like this can give them that same conviction that they’re top players and we shouldn’t fear anyone.
“We shouldn’t wait 40 minutes, 50 minutes, or 60 minutes to realise that we’re a very good team.
“So I hope that this win instils that belief in the squad because they deserve to feel that way about themselves.”
Bellingham’s performances since arriving at the tournament have emphatically answered the questions that surrounded his place in Tuchel’s starting XI before the World Cup.
Just a year ago, Tuchel admitted even his own mother found some of Bellingham’s on-field behaviour “repulsive”, suggesting his intensity could intimidate teammates. The German later apologised and has since built his side around the midfielder long regarded as one of football’s generational talents.
Bellingham has already experienced the heartbreak of falling agonisingly short with England, losing in each of the last two European Championship finals before suffering World Cup quarter-final disappointment four years ago.
This time, however, belief is replacing frustration.
The final whistle in Mexico City came shortly after 4:00 am back in England, but Bellingham urged supporters to savour a famous victory.
“To be a part of an England team that gives so much to the country, that can give them these moments and nights like this, means just as much as anything in my career and in my life really,” he said.
“Kids stay off school, parents don’t go to work, and enjoy the day. Be with your friends; go down to the pub again if you can.
“Enjoy it because these nights don’t come around often.”
England will now hope Bellingham can produce three more unforgettable performances to finally bring the World Cup home.
AFP
