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Jude Bellingham had a perfectly valid reason to end his ITV interview a bit early. Standing on the pitch in New Jersey, he was praising Harry Kane’s influence on the England team when chants of ‘Hey Jude’ began to echo from one end of the stadium.

Upon hearing the familiar tune, interviewer Gabriel Clarke gave Bellingham the nod to leave. With a quick remark, ‘I better go,’ the midfielder sprinted towards the fans who were serenading him. By then, most of the England players had already made their way down the tunnel, but Bellingham stayed to soak in his well-earned moment.

The Real Madrid star was at his brilliant best in England’s 2-0 victory over Panama, registering the most key passes, most successful dribbles, most tackles, as well as scoring one goal and providing an assist in a dominant 70-minute display. It was one of the most complete midfield performances seen in recent tournaments. The talent has always been there, but this time, his confidence and swagger were unmissable.

Within the England camp, Harry Kane remains the frontrunner for the Ballon d’Or and arguably the leading candidate worldwide, given that he’s closing in on 70 goals for club and country this season. But Bellingham has emerged as England’s all-action superstar, someone who thrives in the biggest moments and leads with the kind of charisma usually associated with global icons.

Bellingham has already inspired England to two group-stage victories in North America. If he maintains this form, he could well drive the Three Lions deep into the tournament before the summer concludes.

Threat of being frozen out

It’s easy to forget that, only a few weeks ago, there was genuine uncertainty over whether Bellingham would even start for England. At that time, the No.10 role in Thomas Tuchel’s 4-2-3-1 formation was up for grabs, with Morgan Rogers also in strong contention.

It was a fair debate. Bellingham had endured a relatively underwhelming season with Real Madrid, both individually and collectively, while Rogers had spearheaded Aston Villa to European glory, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic attacking midfielders. Tuchel had praised Rogers’ work rate and discipline but controversially described Bellingham as ‘repulsive’—a comment he later walked back.

Even in the days before the tournament, Tuchel remarked that Bellingham was merely one of “14-15” players he was considering for the first match. That notion now seems laughable.

Showing up

While many expected Rogers to start England’s opener against Croatia, Bellingham delivered the perfect response—eventually. The first 30 minutes were shaky as England looked disjointed in Dallas, struggling with cohesion and decision-making. Even their pressing lacked conviction. Assistant coach Anthony Barry criticised the team live on air, calling their first-half display “fearful,” despite the 2-2 scoreline against their toughest Group L opponent.

Bellingham was the spark England needed. He ignited the comeback by making a run behind the defence—a type of movement missing all evening from Noni Madueke. With purpose and precision, Bellingham surged forward, dribbled decisively, and finished clinically. It was a moment that spoke volumes: a player taking charge and saying, ‘I’ll do it myself.’

From then on, he produced two fierce tackles and controlled play from midfield, dictating tempo and direction. He knew this was his time to step up—and he seized it.

Quality shines through

England’s second fixture, against Ghana, turned into a tactical stalemate. Carlos Queiroz’s side executed a defensive masterclass, with the veteran coach later admitting that frustrating England had been his main objective. Bellingham was named FIFA’s Player of the Match, though he modestly suggested that one of Ghana’s defenders probably deserved it more. In truth, it was a frustrating evening for England, as Ghana successfully parked the bus.

Already assured of a spot in the round of 32, England still needed a win against Panama to top their group and secure an easier route through the knockouts. The first half was laboured, but Bellingham still produced standout moments—most notably a crunching slide tackle followed by an emotional roar, epitomising his passionate style of play.

In the second half, Bellingham took centre stage, playing a part in both goals. For the opener, he stretched to volley in a corner just ahead of his marker. Minutes later, he burst past Kane, faked one way, then the other, before lofting a perfect cross for the captain to head home. It was a complete display from England’s No.10.

The Gerrard complex

England may not have a distinct footballing identity anymore, but the nation continues to produce high-energy, fearless, attacking players brimming with leadership qualities. The most natural comparison for Bellingham is Steven Gerrard, who possessed similar grit and drive as a youngster. Even Gerrard himself has admitted that Bellingham is “miles ahead” of where he was at the same age.

While Gerrard remains a Liverpool icon, his England career was more mixed—over 100 caps and the captaincy, but few defining tournament moments. It wasn’t entirely his fault, but he never quite replicated his club heroics for the national side. Bellingham, however, is rewriting that narrative, proving that an English midfielder can dominate on the world stage.

Best since Rooney?

England have lacked a truly transformative talent for years. Kane, despite being the country’s all-time top scorer, has often faced criticism for not delivering in the biggest matches. Questions about England’s reliance on him persist—a notion Tuchel recently dismissed, but which reflects a deeper truth: Kane’s brilliance often depends on the system around him.

Not since Wayne Rooney have England had a player capable of seizing games by sheer force of will. As an 18-year-old at Euro 2004, Rooney set the tournament ablaze, scoring four goals and registering an assist before injury cruelly ended his campaign. England were left to wonder what might have been.

Difference-maker

Now, Bellingham looks set to join that lineage of young English stars—Paul Gascoigne, Michael Owen, David Beckham, and Rooney—who once lit up the international stage. The difference is that Bellingham appears ready to sustain it.

His spectacular bicycle kick against Slovakia at Euro 2024 kept England in the tournament, and his Real Madrid career is already filled with match-winning moments on the biggest occasions. In a World Cup where Lionel Messi has again demonstrated the value of an extraordinary talent amidst good but not great players, Bellingham could well be England’s own version of the Argentine maestro. While no one is equating their abilities, Bellingham—who just turned 23 on Monday—has shown he can have a similar influence on his national side.

Bellingham has the talent and temperament to achieve what Gascoigne, Owen, Beckham, Rooney, and Gerrard never did: lead England to a World Cup title.