Jude Bellingham has carried England through the altitude of Mexico City and the searing heat of Miami, looking increasingly like a man on a mission to end a 60-year World Cup drought. The 23-year-old scored twice against Norway in the quarter-final, becoming the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to net two or more goals in consecutive knockout games at a single World Cup.
Bellingham's heroics evoke memories of Maradona's 1986 run, Ronaldo's 2002 redemption, and Lionel Messi's 2022 triumph. However, he faces a titanic semi-final against Messi's Argentina in Atlanta. A potential final against France or Spain looms.
His performance against Norway was dominant: five shots, most touches in the opposition box, most duels won, and most fouls won. He has now scored nine of his 12 England goals at major tournaments, with five putting England ahead and two equalizers. Only Gary Lineker (6 in 1986) has scored more non-penalty goals in a single World Cup.
Bellingham's versatility—scoring with left foot, right foot, and head—marks him as a complete player. After early tournament doubts about his starting place, he has silenced critics. To join the legends, he must help England overcome the final barriers: first Messi, then either Spain or France.