Jude Bellingham has emerged as a key player for England during the World Cup, showcasing his attacking prowess under manager Thomas Tuchel. As of July 11, 2026, Bellingham's performance has been pivotal in the team's success, helping England advance to the quarter-finals against Norway.
Tuchel's Tactical Changes Unlock Bellingham
Thomas Tuchel has implemented significant changes to Jude Bellingham's role, allowing him to thrive on the international stage. Pushing Bellingham higher up the pitch and granting him more freedom has transformed his game. His heat maps reveal a substantial shift from previous tournaments, where he was often limited to the left side or around the halfway line.
Now, Bellingham is primarily operating in a No 10 role, actively engaging in the final third, which has directly correlated with increased scoring opportunities. His average chances per 90 minutes have surged to 2.67, a notable rise from 0.8 at Euro 2024 and 1.08 at the 2022 World Cup.
Bellingham's Impressive Goal-Scoring Record
As of now, Bellingham has scored four goals in five World Cup matches, surpassing his total from the last two tournaments combined. He ranks among the top scorers, trailing only behind football icons such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. His contributions have been crucial, with three of his goals putting England ahead in matches, demonstrating his impact at critical moments.
- Highest-scoring midfielder at the tournament
- First goal against Mexico was followed by a second, showcasing his scoring ability
- Key player in the match against Croatia and Panama
Building Chemistry with Harry Kane
The relationship between Bellingham and captain Harry Kane has flourished, greatly benefiting England's attacking strategy. Bellingham noted, "I think I've built a good relationship with Harry over the last four or five years." Their synergy was evident in the match against Mexico, where Bellingham scored twice, aided by Kane's runs that created space.
Gary Neville, a pundit for Sky Sports, praised Bellingham's performances, stating, "He has carried England... Bellingham has been on another level." These accolades are supported by the Sky Sports Power Rankings, where Bellingham is rated as the fifth-best performer at the tournament, four spots ahead of Kane.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Sky Sports Football. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
