Bellingham scores and silences critics as England demolish Croatia 4-2 in World Cup opener

Jude Bellingham struck in the second half and confronted his critics head-on as England opened their World Cup 2026 campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, with the Real Madrid midfielder admitting he had something to prove after a difficult club season.

Bellingham converted from close range after a precise through-ball from Elliott Anderson to make it 3-2, and was one of England’s standout performers in a second half that Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated after a scrappy opening 45 minutes.

“It’s good to kind of put some of the noise aside and just show my country and my teammates how committed I am to help us win football matches,” Bellingham said after the final whistle. “Regardless of the noise outside, that honour doesn’t change for me at all.”

The 21-year-old acknowledged he had arrived at the tournament carrying extra motivation. “I think I’ve got a bit of a chip on my shoulder, haven’t I? And you play best when you’re like that. I think that helps me a lot to find that focus early in the game and to find that intensity.”

Bellingham was candid about the criticism he has faced, stopping short of resentment. “I don’t begrudge or hold a grudge against anyone who says bad things about me because sometimes I do deserve it. Today, I think it was nice to try and show people and remind them what I’m about.”

On his goal, Bellingham was characteristically measured. “It was a pretty normal goal really, except the pass was top level. Obviously, it’s been a bit of a tougher season for me, but I feel fresh, sharp, and strong.”

England’s first half drew concern — the Three Lions were level at 1-1 at the break despite creating chances — but the second period was a different story, and Bellingham made clear the standard must be maintained. “I was speaking to [Harry Kane] after the game and I said that has to be our standard now; that has to be the minimum level,” he said. “The second-half intensity and what we do with the ball has got to be the bare minimum we build from.”

With several players making their World Cup debuts, Bellingham offered some context for the slow start, while insisting the second half reflected England’s true capability. “It’s a big stage. The second half is what we’re really about.”