Jude Bellingham delivered a complete performance in England's 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica, pressing hard and linking well with Harry Kane. His display should convince Thomas Tuchel to start him in the World Cup opener against Croatia.
Bellingham Sets the Tone
It only took eight seconds for Jude Bellingham to make an impact. Given the nod over Morgan Rogers as England's No 10, Bellingham pressed from the front, racing to charge down a clearance from Darril Araya. He set the tone for England as they imposed themselves on inferior opposition from the first whistle.
The match kicked off an hour later than advertised due to a torrential downpour in Orlando, giving England a taste of what they can expect at the World Cup. At the Inter&Co Stadium, Tuchel had an encouraging response. The lineup looked close to the one that will face Croatia in Group L on 17 June, and England eased to a 3-0 win.
England's Improved Performance
Sharp combinations, positive dribbling, and intelligent movement off the ball suggested good work on patterns of play in training. Tuchel was critical of England's "freestyle" first half against New Zealand, but this was better. Reece James inverted from right-back, giving England an extra man in midfield. Anthony Gordon crackled with menace and clicked with Nico O'Reilly, whose dynamic surges from left-back were a constant feature.
Bellingham's Hunger and Work Rate
Really, though, this was mostly about whether Bellingham could do enough to force his way into the starting XI. The 22-year-old played with the hunger of someone with a point to prove. Tuchel does not want his No 10 to only come alive with the ball, and Bellingham got the message. His first action was to press, showing the right attitude. He made four defensive contributions inside the first 12 minutes.
Bellingham also showed his quality in attack. He spun early on and saw a fierce shot deflected just wide. England led after 10 minutes, Gordon storming past Shawn Johnson and pulling the ball back for Declan Rice to sweep home.
Kane and Bellingham Clicking
A metronomic midfield display from Elliot Anderson gave Rice licence to roam. Further forward, there were hints of Bellingham and Harry Kane clicking in a way they never did at Euro 2024. Their partnership is still a work in progress, but this was a world away from the shambles against Denmark. At one point Kane and Bellingham could not stop passing to each other. There was a beautiful exchange during the first half, starting with a Kane flick. Bellingham moved into space and threaded a pass to Noni Madueke, who rounded the keeper but hit the post.
England should have scored more than three, but the key was that Kane and Bellingham worked together. Bellingham was disciplined and clever in his movement, moving high and vacating space when Kane dropped back. They did not get in each other's way.
Tuchel's Decision
Tuchel has food for thought before facing Croatia. He made a flurry of changes after the hour, and substitutes made an impact, with Ollie Watkins heading in the third after Rogers had a shot pushed away. England had 28 shots and were flexible and versatile. Bellingham took the armband when Kane went off and soon produced a moment of brilliance, dancing in from the left, wriggling through bodies, and creating the chance that led to Eberechi Eze winning the penalty for Gordon to make it 2-0.
It was quality on another level from Bellingham, but he had earned the right to express himself. Starting as he meant to go on, Bellingham carried out both sides of the game and delivered a complete performance. It should convince Tuchel to pick him against Croatia.
