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Goal or assist? What made Jude Bellingham happiest as Real Madrid’s ‘Galactico’ dazzled during England’s crucial World Cup triumph over Panama?

Jude Bellingham confessed that he found greater joy in setting up a historic moment than in scoring himself during England’s 2-0 victory over Panama, a result that secured Thomas Tuchel’s side the top spot in Group L. The Real Madrid midfielder was involved in everything positive for the Three Lions, netting the opener before providing the assist for a record-breaking second goal.

The Real Madrid ‘Galactico’ rises to the occasion once again

Bellingham once more emerged as England’s standout performer, displaying the composure and class that have made him the only player consistently meeting expectations. After a patient opening half, the 22-year-old broke the deadlock with a smart finish from a corner, followed by a precise cross that set up England’s second goal. Despite his personal brilliance, Bellingham emphasised that the team’s collective success remained the main focus as they now prepare to travel to Atlanta for the Round of 32 clash against DR Congo.

“First job achieved,” Bellingham said. “We approached this tournament in stages. We got through the pre-camp matches really well and now we’ve met our first goal — to get through the group and finish top. We’ve got to keep improving every game, and that’s on us.”

Creating history for Kane

Although his opening goal took his tournament total to two, Bellingham admitted he derived even more satisfaction from assisting Harry Kane. That pass enabled the Bayern Munich striker to surpass Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer. Kane’s clinical header marked his 11th goal on the global stage, elevating him into the company of football’s greatest icons.

“The assist [pleased me most],” Bellingham revealed. “It was a great bit of link-up play, and giving it to Harry — who keeps pushing his limits — was amazing. He deserves every bit of success. You can see the effort he puts in as captain and how he leads us. The quality speaks for itself — he’s the best.”

Stepping up the tempo in New Jersey

England had to work hard through a sluggish first half against a determined Panama side that defended deep and frustrated Tuchel’s men. However, the message during the interval was one of composure and persistence. Bellingham noted that the squad remained calm in the dressing room, knowing they simply needed to increase intensity to find the breakthrough.

“[At half-time he said] you’re doing well, keep going,” the midfielder explained. “Just another gear, nothing drastic. We knew where we were and where we needed to be — and we reached that level in the second half.” The tactical adjustment paid off, allowing England to dictate the pace and eventually overpower their opponents to seal the three points.

Eyes on the knockout rounds

With Group L now behind them, the Three Lions shift their focus to the knockout fixture in Atlanta on Wednesday. Bellingham’s leadership and form will be pivotal if England are to maintain the standards set in previous tournaments. Tuchel’s squad showed they can handle the weight of expectation as group favourites, but the Real Madrid talisman is fully aware that the challenges will only intensify from here.

Bellingham’s self-belief remains one of his strongest qualities as he shoulders the hopes of an entire nation. With two goals and a record-breaking assist already to his name, he continues to prove why he is the defining figure of this modern England era. The attention now turns to the Round of 32 clash against DR Congo, where there will be no room for error — and once again, the ‘Galactico’ will be expected to deliver.