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Daily Read: Football

Bellingham Thrives Under Pressure, Crouch Praises Performance

Jude Bellingham, who began his career at 16 and signed for Real Madrid as a teenager, scored seven goals to help England finish third at the World Cup. Ahead of the tournament, coach Thomas Tuchel omitted him from the October 2025 squad, a decision that drew tabloid criticism. Former England striker Peter Crouch said that the scrutiny and the pressure to end England’s 60‑year trophy drought pushed Bellingham to his best form. In the last‑16 match against Mexico, Bellingham’s brace, including a decisive turn in the box, secured a 2‑1 win and silenced doubters. Crouch noted that Bellingham’s confidence mirrored his own experience of scoring 22 goals in 42 England appearances. The midfielder’s performances have reinforced Crouch’s belief that Bellingham rises in high‑stakes situations, helping teammates such as Harry Kane. The story highlights how criticism can transform a player’s performance on the world stage.

· FourFourTwo

The essential points

  1. 01Bellingham netted seven goals, guiding England to third place in the World Cup
  2. 02Tuchel excluded him from the October 2025 squad, sparking media criticism
  3. 03Crouch credits the pressure as a catalyst for Bellingham’s peak form
  4. 04Bellingham’s brace against Mexico turned a 1‑0 deficit into a 2‑1 victory
The full brief

Jude Bellingham, who began his career at 16 and signed for Real Madrid as a teenager, scored seven goals to help England finish third at the World Cup. Ahead of the tournament, coach Thomas Tuchel omitted him from the October 2025 squad, a decision that drew tabloid criticism. Former England striker Peter Crouch said that the scrutiny and the pressure to end England’s 60‑year trophy drought pushed Bellingham to his best form.

In the last‑16 match against Mexico, Bellingham’s brace, including a decisive turn in the box, secured a 2‑1 win and silenced doubters. Crouch noted that Bellingham’s confidence mirrored his own experience of scoring 22 goals in 42 England appearances. The midfielder’s performances have reinforced Crouch’s belief that Bellingham rises in high‑stakes situations, helping teammates such as Harry Kane.

The story highlights how criticism can transform a player’s performance on the world stage.