Jude Bellingham's two goals in two minutes against Mexico on Monday morning propelled England to a 3-2 victory, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The performance vindicated Jordan Henderson's prediction that the Real Madrid star would be England's difference-maker in the tournament.
Bellingham's Heroics Seal Win at Azteca Stadium
Playing at the iconic Azteca Stadium, Bellingham scored twice in quick succession, with Harry Kane adding his sixth goal of the tournament to secure the win. The 23-year-old now has four goals in five games this summer, consistently delivering for his nation.
Henderson, who gave Bellingham his first England cap five years ago, had forecast his impact. Speaking last month, the former Liverpool captain said: "I'm sure he will have a big impact for us in this tournament. I can remember five years ago, I gave him his first cap, it was away at Middlesbrough."
Henderson's Praise for Bellingham's Growth
Henderson highlighted Bellingham's development as a player and person. "How much he's grown, as a player and as a person since then, is incredible really. I had a good idea when I first saw him playing and training, and the way he was. I think everybody forgets how young he is," Henderson said.
He added: "We do rondos and the youngest in, and there's people that I think should be going in before him, but he's always one of the first in the middle to go in. It just reminds us how young he is."
Bellingham's X-Factor for England
Henderson emphasized Bellingham's unique value to the team. "I honestly couldn't speak highly enough of him. I know a lot gets written in the media and I really find it hard to read sometimes because I just know how big an influence he is on this team, how good a teammate he is off the field."
"What he gives us is just something really special, he really gives us the X-factor in our team. He's had big moments in his career, he's a big game player, he's got experience in tournaments. So he's a huge, huge player for us in this tournament," Henderson concluded.
England's Quarter-Final Opponent: Norway
Thomas Tuchel's side will now face Norway in the last eight, after Norway defeated Brazil 2-1 on Sunday courtesy of a late double from Erling Haaland. England have reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the third consecutive tournament, boosting confidence that 2026 could be their year.
