Jude Bellingham’s performance for England in their 7-0 victory over Croatia on Saturday marked a significant milestone in the midfielder’s career, highlighting his rise from a player once criticized to one widely regarded as among the best in the world. Bellingham, 23, was instrumental in the comprehensive win, overpowering seasoned midfielder Luka Modric and contributing decisively alongside teammate Harry Kane.

Bellingham’s journey to this point has not been without its challenges. A year ago, his place in the England starting lineup was uncertain, and his relationship with England manager Thomas Tuchel was reportedly strained. In June 2025, Tuchel publicly admitted on talkSPORT that his mother found some aspects of Bellingham’s on-field conduct “repulsive.” During Euro 2024, when Bellingham was under Gareth Southgate’s management, he appeared to be struggling to enjoy his time with the national team. The Real Madrid midfielder later described himself as a “scapegoat” following England’s exit from that tournament, a claim that Tuchel and others contested.

The tension appeared to ease after a period of absence from the squad, during which Bellingham was recovering from a shoulder operation and reportedly requested not to be selected. However, the player’s form notably improved at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored seven goals and emerged as England’s standout performer. This resurgence coincided with his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained at Real Madrid and led to a better understanding between player and manager, with Tuchel noting that Bellingham thrives when channeling his “rage” on the pitch.

The relationship between the two experienced minor friction even during the World Cup. After England’s 2-1 victory over Norway in the quarter-finals, Tuchel described the team’s display as “sloppy,” prompting a sharp response from Bellingham. Despite this, the disagreement appeared to have little lasting impact on the player’s performance and development.

At club level, Bellingham has impressed under new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, who is deploying him in a more advanced role, focusing less on defensive duties and more on attacking contributions. England, similarly, have adjusted his role, at times positioning him alongside Kane in a more offensive setup, which contributed to their dominant performance in Rijeka. England now look ahead to their upcoming match against the Czech Republic with confidence.

Football analyst Roy Keane praised Bellingham after the Croatia game, calling him “outstanding in every aspect” and suggesting he has the potential to become one of the sport’s all-time greats. Meanwhile, England debutant Alex Scott described Bellingham as “the best midfielder in the world” and a “role model for young English players,” highlighting his influence both on and off the field. As Bellingham continues to develop, maintaining his competitive edge while prioritizing team success will be central to fulfilling his promise at both club and international levels.