Jude Bellingham has taken a different approach at the 2026 World Cup, handling media duties after England's 4-2 opening win against Croatia. This marks a clear shift from Euro 2024, when the Real Madrid star was reluctant to give interviews and felt he had been made a scapegoat for England's early exit.
Media Stance Change
At Euro 2024, Bellingham explained his silence: "It wasn't a nice feeling. There were a few things that happened during the tournament. One of the big criticisms of me was that I didn't speak to the media, I didn't want to do press conferences. That was reported in a way that made out I was above it, it's not like that at all." He added that journalists approached his family, including his grandparents, which he felt crossed a line of respect. "Family comes first. My nan didn't want to leave her house for the whole summer, bless her."
In contrast, after scoring England's third goal in the 4-2 victory at Dallas Stadium, Bellingham fronted up to reporters. "Personally, it was nice to put some of the noise aside and just show my country and my teammates how committed I am to helping us try to win games," he said. "Contributing, helping my team and helping my country are some of the greatest honours, and, regardless of the noise outside, that honour doesn't change for me at all."
Pundit Praise
Gary Neville and Ian Wright praised Bellingham's interview on The Overlap. Neville said: "If you're a player who says 'Yeah, I'll do the interview', you're taking responsibility and standing up. You're the star, you can take it on your shoulders. You're asking one of your teammates to do it instead of you, who's not as confident. When I see Jude come out and speak, he exudes confidence. It sends a message to your own dressing room that 'I've got the belief, I'll take the responsibility,' and to the other team that says, 'the belief he's got, the confidence', not just on the pitch."
Wright agreed: "In his interview, because it's brilliant to see him doing the interviews. He said, 'yeah I was left out of a couple of squads'. He was never going to miss the World Cup squad, I don't even believe the argument should have been happening. That is why I have been on his hill forever."
Performance Speaks
Bellingham started ahead of Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, with England boss Thomas Tuchel saying he 'deserved' the nod. The 22-year-old had a tougher season last term, but reminded everyone of his class. Tuchel said: "A very good player, he deserved to start and that's what he needs to do to fight for his place to keep his place. That's what he did and it was good."
Neville believes the debate over Bellingham's role is settled: "The argument's over to be fair, because we have been debating the last 12 months. People were saying at one point 'will he take him?'"
England face Ghana in Group L next Tuesday, June 23, knowing a second win would put them on course for the round of 32.
