Jude Bellingham netted for England in their World Cup win over Croatia in Texas, ending any debate over his place in the starting XI. The 22-year-old proved once again that this was not his first rodeo as he scored in the Three Lions' opening World Cup fixture for the second successive tournament.
Bellingham's Performance Silences Critics
Debate over Jude Bellingham's place in England's starting XI had been rife. There cannot be any more confusion over his inclusion now. On the big stage, in the searing Texas heat, the 22-year-old proved his worth with a goal and an all-action display.
No wonder Thomas Tuchel recently declared Bellingham could operate as a striker because his 47th-minute effort which pinged in off the post was the kind of ruthless finish you'd attribute to Harry Kane.
More Than Just a Goal
But it wasn't merely about Bellingham's goal - more his energy, pressing, ball-carrying ability and desire to make things happen. It was a statement performance and felt like a powerful release of frustration.
However good Morgan Rogers has been for Aston Villa this season, Bellingham - in this vein of form - is undroppable and one of the first names on the team-sheet. He took the fight to Croatia and also seemed to bring the best from the likes of Noni Madueke and Kane, linking and connecting play.
Overcoming Adversity
Most importantly, when England faced adversity following Petar Musa's equaliser just before the break, Bellingham took the match by the scruff of the neck and put them back in control. As the old saying goes, attackers win you matches and defences will win you tournaments. But don't underestimate the power of England's midfield at this World Cup and the significance of Bellingham.
Midfield Trio Shines
His second-half drag-backs were a sign not only of his confidence but of things to come because it feels like he is just warming up and finally starting to warm to life under Tuchel. While there is clear room for improvement at both ends of the field, Bellingham, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are three players that are now going to take some shifting from England's side as they are the spine of the team.
Anderson lit up the Premier League last season but there was arguably no greater acid test for the Nottingham Forest stalwart on the international stage than facing Luka Modric, even if the 40-year-old's best years are now beyond him. Alongside Bellingham, he too excelled and it was somewhat telling that when Tuchel rang the changes, the Real Madrid maestro was never truly a candidate to come off.
