Jude Bellingham hopes his important goal in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia at the World Cup on Wednesday will help quieten the criticism around him, admitting he plays with “a little bit of a chip on my shoulder.”
The Real Madrid midfielder was selected by Thomas Tuchel to start in the number 10 role for England’s opening match in Texas.
The 22-year-old, who has often divided opinion among England supporters and has not always enjoyed the easiest relationship with Tuchel, delivered when his team needed him most.
With the score level at 2-2 at halftime, Bellingham struck just two minutes into the second half to put England back in front and set the team on its way to victory.
The goal capped an energetic performance from Bellingham, who was preferred to Morgan Rogers in the starting lineup.
Speaking to the BBC after the match, Bellingham said: “For me personally it was nice to put some of the noise aside and show my country, show my team-mates, how committed I am to helping us win football matches.”
Bellingham, who could be a key player if England are to win their first major trophy since 1966, admitted it had been “a tougher season” for him.
But he said he arrived at the World Cup feeling “fresh and sharp and strong, and ready to give everything”.
He added: “I’ve got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder.”
Asked if that helps improve his performances, Bellingham replied: “I think so. That helps me a lot to find that focus early in the game, to find that intensity.
“I know it’s part of being a footballer, I don’t hold a grudge about anyone that says bad things about me because sometimes I do deserve it.
“Today I think it was nice to try and show people and remind people what I’m about.”
Tuchel, who once described Bellingham’s behaviour on the pitch as “repulsive” before later apologising, said the midfielder now has to maintain that level for the rest of the tournament.
“A very good player, he deserved to start,” said the England coach.
“And that’s what he needs to do, fight for his place, to keep his place, that’s what he did, it was good.”
