England opened Group L with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas, and Jude Bellingham delivered a performance. The midfielder scored the decisive third goal, weaving past defenders before firing home from the back post. His movement lifted the team's intensity after half, prompting pundits to hail him as a star. The win lifted England to six points, topping Group L and forcing a Ghana clash.

Gary Neville declared Bellingham “a star, not a sub,” while Toni Kroos praised his completeness. Yet manager Thomas Tuchel offered a measured verdict, lauding Bellingham’s composure but reserving superlatives for Harry Kane, whom he called “the full‑package leader.” Tuchel’s subtle shift sparked speculation that the No 10 berth remains undecided ahead of the Ghana clash. His rating will influence the lineup for the Panama game.

Tuchel later deflected questions about Bellingham, turning to Morgan Rogers and emphasizing the midfielder’s willingness to follow the team plan. The coach’s focus on tactical fit over individual flair suggests he values Rogers’ work rate and link‑up with England’s Kane and Rice. Consequently, England’s No 10 slot will be decided by performance, not reputation.