2026-06-18 11:17:42
Jude Bellingham felt that playing with “a chip on my shoulder” helped him produce his best football in England’s World Cup opener against Croatia.
The Real Madrid ace netted the third goal for the Three Lions as they won 4-2 in Dallas on Wednesday (17.06.26) and explained that he was determined to silence those who had questioned his place in the squad and his relationship with manager Thomas Tuchel.
Bellingham told BBC Sport: “It has been a tough season for me but I am feeling fresh and sharp and stronger.
“I have got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. That helps me a lot to find that focus early in the game and to find that intensity.
“I know that it’s part of being a footballer and I don’t hold a grudge against anyone who says bad things about me because sometimes I do deserve it.
“Today, it was nice to try to show people and remind people what I’m about.”
Bellingham earned a starting berth ahead of his friend Morgan Rogers and spoke of he delight at positively contributing to the team.
He said: “For me personally, it was nice to put some of the noise aside and just show my country and my team-mates how committed I am to help us try to win football matches.
“It was a great team performance. Second half, we got things right, first half we got the intensity right, but not quite with the ball and second half we put it all together nicely.
“To contribute, to help my team and help my country is one of the biggest honours and regardless of the noise outside, that honour doesn’t change for me at all.”
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