Why Jude Bellingham’s First 20 Minutes Prove He’s England’s Unstoppable Future Captain

And that’s why England have to build around Jude Bellingham.

That is why Thomas Tuchel has to trust more in his No 10. England were again struggling to protect a World Cup lead, a crazy game teetering at 5-4 when Bellingham did what he does best. This force of nature, this powerhouse of a footballer, picked up the ball and destroyed a defence with quick feet, quick mind and superb strength and technique.

A bonkers, breathless football match, the greatest close-run affair between England and France since Waterloo, ended in a tennis score. Thanks to Bellingham. No Englishman has ever scored more than his seven at a World Cup. And he’s only 23. Cherish him.

HENRY WINTER: ‘Cherish Jude Bellingham’

England's players pose for a photo with their medals after winning the 2026 World Cup football tournament third-place match between France and England at the Miami Stadium in Miami on July 18, 2026. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) — England’s best finish at a World Cup since 1966 (Image credit: Getty Images)

England have good players. One of the narratives following England’s World Cup heartache against Argentina was that the talent was insufficient. Nonsense. England have the players like Bellingham. They were just let down by Tuchel’s substitutions.

As well as the prodigy Bellingham, another reminder of the talent at Tuchel’s disposal was the sight of Bukayo Saka opening up France’s defence time and again with his rapidity and boldness of movement. He was named Man of the Match, inevitably for his hat-trick.