Jude Bellingham’s 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia in June 2024 rescued England’s Euros hopes. Two years on, the 22-year-old is doing it again — this time at the World Cup, where his tactical versatility has made him Thomas Tuchel’s most important player.
After England’s 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday, Bellingham’s performance drew comparisons to superstars like Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi. “He buys fully into all the things we demand as a team,” Tuchel said. “It is what we want from him. He was very positive from the first day in camp.”
“Jude Bellingham starred in England's 2-0 World Cup win over Panama, scoring and assisting as Thomas Tuchel hailed his tactical versatility.”
Tuchel had made subtle tweaks to his system because of injuries, notably deploying Bellingham in a box-to-box role in Declan Rice’s absence. In possession, England’s shape shifted between a 3-2-5 and a 3-1-6, depending on how Bellingham read the game. “He played as a 10 when we had the ball,” Tuchel explained, adding that he wanted “to have six players in the last line” to outnumber Panama’s back five.
Bellingham’s ability to adapt was crucial. In the first half, he played deeper to allow Morgan Rogers to operate as a No10. Then, when England needed extra magic, he delivered: first scoring from Bukayo Saka’s corner, then providing the assist for Harry Kane to seal the win. His legs were saved for the last-32 tie against DR Congo.
This is not a one-off. Bellingham scored in Italy in October 2023 to help England qualify for the Euros, and his first major tournament goal came against Iran at the 2022 World Cup. “He is the epitome of a team player because he steps up when his team needs him,” wrote the Mirror’s John Cross.
Tuchel has used “tough love” to get the best from Bellingham, but the midfielder’s intelligence has made it clear it is about the team. In celebration pictures throughout this tournament, he is either doing the hugging or being hugged. “I’m not sure if it’s a reaction,” Tuchel said, “but it is what we want from him.”
With Bellingham turning 23 on Monday, England have found their talisman — a player capable of seizing the moment and elevating everyone around him.