SportFootballJude BellinghamJude Bellingham was key to England kicking off their World Cup campaign in the best way against Croatia and has revealed a touching motivation for him with the Three Lions21:19, 20 Jun 2026Jude Bellingham insists he will “give everything” to help England’s push for World Cup glory – and do his late grandad proud.‌The Real Madrid superstar is in the form of his life and he says he is fulfilling a boyhood dream to play for England. And fulfilling the dreams of everyone who helped him get here to the biggest stage.‌Bellingham said: “I think the national anthem is the last chance you get to really be mindful of the people who have got you there and what it means to be from England.”‌Among his thoughts are memories of his late grandfather, who died shortly before the midfielder made his senior England debut.Bellingham said: “I think about my ­grandad, who passed away just before my England debut. He was so patriotic. He was an Englishman through and through. He could give you every fact about every war, every battle, every king, every queen.”Bellingham’s grandfather remains at the forefront of his mind whenever he stands alongside his England teammates before a match.‌“I do think about grandad when that moment’s coming,” he said. “I also think about the rest of my family and the sacrifices they’ve made to get me here.”Bellingham added: “I’m on a good path and will do everything I can to contribute whether from the starting XI or bench. When I cross the line, wear that badge on the front, wear the No10 on the back of my shirt, I make sure I give everything that I have.“It’s every footballer’s dream to play at a World Cup and I’ve been fortunate enough to play in one already and now I’m back with the squad for the second one.‌“My responsibility to my team and to my country is to give everything I have. It’s been a gradual process into being where I am with the England squad.“I wore the captain’s armband for the first time in the friendlies which means I’m on a good path and I know I can contribute whether it be from the starting XI, from the bench, I understand other players deserve to play as well. But I think I’m more than ready to give the team minutes.”Article continues belowBellingham also believes calmness and maturity on the pitch can bring better and more controlled performances. He added: “I think it’s always the players who are calmer, more relaxed who understand what they have to do and don’t get carried away with the atmosphere. They are normally the ones who normally seem to look a step above.”Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌England football teamFIFA World CupWorld Cup 2026Jude Bellingham