Dietmar Hamann has admitted he completely changed his mind about Jude Bellingham after the Real Madrid midfielder's performance in England's 4-2 victory over Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. The former Liverpool and Germany international, who covered the match for RTE, praised Bellingham's team spirit and work rate.
Hamann's Initial Doubts
Speaking after the game, Hamann revealed he had reservations about Bellingham during his time at Borussia Dortmund. "I saw him for Dortmund for a couple of seasons, and some of the things he did I didn't like at all," Hamann said. However, he noted that Bellingham's Champions League triumph in his first season at Real Madrid and his performance against Croatia showed a player committed to the team.
"I wasn't sure about him going to Madrid, but I have got to say the way he made the transition to Madrid and winning the Champions League in his first year, there is huge pressure to perform, and tonight he looked like a team player," Hamann added. "When he does play for the team, when he does work for his team-mates, we know he's an excellent player."
Bellingham's Response to Critics
Bellingham, who scored England's third goal in the Group L clash, admitted he plays with a "chip on his shoulder" amid debates about his starting place. England boss Thomas Tuchel had suggested Bellingham was not guaranteed to start due to the form of Morgan Rogers.
"Yeah, for me 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 and win football matches," Bellingham told BBC Sport. "I think it was a great team performance second half. First half, we still got the intensity right, but with the ball, we weren't quite there. Second half I think we put it all together nicely."
He added: "I think I have a little bit of a chip on the shoulder. I think that helps me a lot. To find that focus early in the game, to find that intensity. I know it's part of being a footballer, I don't hold a grudge against anyone who says bad things about me because sometimes I do deserve it. Today it was nice to remind people and show people what I'm about."
England's World Cup Campaign
England currently lead Group L after their win over Croatia. They face Ghana next Tuesday, who also started their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama thanks to a 95th-minute goal from Caleb Yirenkyi. Bellingham, now 22, is competing in his fourth international tournament for England and continues to be a key figure for club and country.
