Jude Bellingham has carried England through the altitude of Mexico City then the searing heat and humidity of Miami on what increasingly looks like a personal mission to end a 60-year wait to win the World Cup. The 23-year-old again delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice to overcome Norway in the quarter-finals — a performance that drew comparisons with the sport's greatest figures.
Bellingham is the first player to score two or more goals in consecutive knockout stage games at a single World Cup since Diego Maradona's great tournament in 1986. He is also the second youngest to achieve this feat, behind only Pele, who did so at 17 in 1958. With six goals at this tournament, no England player has ever scored more at a single World Cup or European Championship.
“Jude Bellingham's brace sends England to World Cup semi-final against Argentina; Starmer hints at bank holiday.”
The midfielder's influence went beyond the scoresheet: he had five shots, the most by an England player. His match-winning display won the approval of Norway's master striker and former Borussia Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland. After the game, Bellingham posted on Instagram: "Live to fight another day. Semi's next. Believe!"
His favourite meal, according to The Athletic, is a very British dish of baked beans and eggs — a carefully planned diet prepared by a personal chef, packed with pre-match nutrition. Bellingham has been named Man of the Match in four of England's six games.
England will now face Lionel Messi and Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday — a formidable barrier, but one Bellingham is threatening to shape as he wishes. Should England make the final, the prime minister has given a heavy hint that there will be an extra bank holiday. Sir Keir Starmer said: "On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final." It is understood the extra day off would be on Friday 24 July.
The final will take place in New Jersey on 19 July, and it is widely expected Starmer will step down as prime minister the day after, to be replaced by Andy Burnham. Should England make the final, the prime minister would likely go to the game, which could briefly delay the handover of power.
But first, there is the not insignificant matter of a semi-final against Argentina — a side that beat Switzerland to set up the clash. Bellingham, who has scored twice in two minutes at this tournament and carried an entire team on his back, will once again be the protagonist. As one observer noted: "They accused him of being arrogant. They said his main character energy was dragging England down. Now that is exactly what they must celebrate him for being and doing."
