Jude Bellingham will carry much of England’s hopes when Thomas Tuchel’s side face Argentina for a place in the World Cup final on Wednesday.
The Real Madrid midfielder has emerged as England’s most influential player during the tournament, scoring six goals and providing one assist on their route to the last four.
His latest intervention came in Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway, when England recovered from a difficult start to secure a 2-1 victory after extra time in Miami.
Bellingham scored shortly before the interval and then struck again in the 93rd minute, sending England into a semi-final against the defending world champions.
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According to Pierre-Étienne Minonzio’s report for L’Équipe, Bellingham’s teammates focused less on his two goals after the Norway match and more on the determination behind his performance.
Teammates praise Bellingham’s mentality
Elliot Anderson highlighted “the incredible way Jude fights for the team”, while goalkeeper Jordan Pickford praised “his mentality that allows him to perform at this level”.
Captain Harry Kane was similarly impressed, saying Bellingham had “dug deep to find something within himself”.
The comments reflect the broader influence Bellingham has had on England’s campaign. His six goals have been crucial, but his intensity without the ball, willingness to take responsibility and ability to respond under pressure have also established him as one of the team’s leaders.
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Against Norway, Bellingham continued running despite the demanding conditions in Miami and the physical strain of another knockout match.
His first goal brought England level after Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead. His second, scored early in extra time, finally broke the resistance of a side that had already eliminated Brazil.
As described by FIFA in its official match report, Bellingham and Kane are now level on six goals, making this the first World Cup in which two England players have each scored at least five times.
Decisive throughout England’s campaign
Bellingham’s influence has been particularly evident when England have struggled to find a way through difficult matches.
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Against Panama in the group stage, England had failed to make their possession count before the midfielder opened the scoring from a corner in the 62nd minute.
Five minutes later, he created England’s second goal for Kane, turning an uncomfortable evening into a 2-0 victory.
According to L’Équipe’s assessment of the Panama match, Bellingham also produced several of England’s most dangerous passes before eventually deciding the contest with a goal and an assist.
He was even more influential in the round of 16 against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
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England were under considerable pressure during the opening half-hour, but Bellingham scored twice in two minutes to place Tuchel’s side in control.
Mexico fought back after Jarell Quansah was sent off, but England held on for a dramatic 3-2 victory.
As reported by L’Équipe following the match, Bellingham converted crosses from Bukayo Saka and Kane despite Mexico having controlled much of the opening period.
He has therefore scored braces in consecutive knockout matches, first against Mexico and then against Norway.
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More than England’s leading scorer
Bellingham is level with Kane as England’s leading scorer at the tournament, but his role extends beyond his attacking numbers.
Kane remains the team’s focal point in the final third, while Bellingham connects the midfield and attack, makes late runs into the penalty area and helps drive England forward when their possession becomes too cautious.
His defensive contribution has also earned praise.
During the victory over Mexico, Bellingham made a crucial intervention to prevent a dangerous counter-attack. Pickford later said the recovery was “as beautiful as a goal”.
That balance between attacking quality and defensive commitment has made the 23-year-old indispensable to Tuchel.
Before the tournament, the England manager had warned that Bellingham was not automatically guaranteed a place in the starting line-up. His performances in North America have since removed any doubt about his importance.
Argentina provide the biggest test
England now face Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 in the United Kingdom and 21:00 CEST.
The winners will meet Spain in Sunday’s final in New Jersey.
According to England Football’s official match centre, it will be the first meeting between England and Argentina in 21 years and their sixth encounter at a World Cup.
Argentina will present a different challenge from Panama, Mexico or Norway.
Lionel Scaloni’s side possess considerable experience in knockout football and are attempting to become the first country since Brazil in 1962 to retain the men’s World Cup.
Much of the attention will inevitably fall on Lionel Messi, but England have their own number 10 capable of deciding the semi-final.
Bellingham has repeatedly rescued his team when matches have moved in the wrong direction. He has scored six goals, created another and delivered his best moments under the greatest pressure.
His teammates, however, appear most impressed by what happens between those decisive moments: the running, the challenges and the refusal to accept defeat.
England will require all of those qualities against Argentina.
