But after the World Cup warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica, things began to look different – Bellingham was impressive.
In the first game of the World Cup against Croatia, Bellingham scored a fantastic solo goal to give England a 3–2 lead.
And against Panama, as England struggled to break through in the final group game, Bellingham scored the decisive goal to break the deadlock.
Although he was substituted in all three group games, Bellingham’s form was good.
Against DR Congo, he produced an influential full game in the last 32 matches.
And then Mexico came.
Two goals in a landmark victory, hailed as one of England’s greatest away victories, sealed his resurgence.
In five matches he won three man of the match awards.
These awards mean he has to do media interviews where he feigns both maturity and humility, downplaying his role and advocating for the team’s work ethic and cohesion while praising his opponents – even offering one of his game awards to the other team.
After celebrating “who else” in 2024, this time he said he would rather give a goal away than score.
The change in tone is consistent with his performance on the field. His work rate is a driving force along with his talent – remember his goal against Mexico.
He has earned praise for his ability to adapt, particularly for rotating between a 10 and 8 role at times depending on the team’s needs, and he is a key part of England’s leadership group alongside Kane and others.
What exactly happened to Tuchel and Bellingham is unknown.
Was this all exaggerated, or was the German in some way asserting his leadership over the entire team – perhaps recognizing and managing this protagonist syndrome?
Whatever the truth, Bellingham looked happy, played well and was a key part of a team that seems to be really cohesive.
It’s easy to forget, despite all his accomplishments, that Bellingham is only 23 years old. He had to grow up in the brightest spotlight.
Bellingham and Kane were considered England’s irreplaceable superstars.
And with Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway, he could have more goals to cement his greatness.