Their relationship has at times been uneasy but Jude Bellingham’s second-half performance against Croatia showed why he is essential to Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plan

The Brentford midfielder said Bellingham brings the “X factor” to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad

ENGLAND 4-2 CROATIA: Jude Bellingham scored and dazzled as the Three Lions kickstarted their World Cup campaign with victory in Dallas

Although Harry Kane's brace and Jude Bellingham's goal stole the show, Thomas Tuchel's substitutions proved equally important in getting all three points. | Football News

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleEngland manager Thomas Tuchel's half-time…

England 4-2 Croatia: Harry Kane’s double and goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford were enough to secure a winning start in Dallas

Kane revealed that a half-time speech from Thomas Tuchel inspired England to victory in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup

Captain Harry Kane credited Thomas Tuchel with delivering a half-time team talk that propelled England to a 4-2 win over Croatia to launch their World Cup title bid on Wednesday.

England defeated Croatia 4-2 in an impressive start to their World Cup campaign in the United States

FIFA World Cup 2026: Jude Bellingham reached the record after being named in Thomas Tuchel's starting XI for England.

With Jude Bellingham, England play a certain way. He might have the No 10 on his back but he is rarely in classic No 10 positions

Jude Bellingham impressed as England defeated Croatia 4-2 in the opening match of their World Cup campaign in the United States

Their relationship has at times been uneasy but Jude Bellingham’s second-half performance against Croatia showed why he is essential to Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plan

Jude Bellingham came up big again for England in their 4-2 win over Croatia, and his performance earned him another fan

Jude Bellingham said it was ‘nice to remind people what I’m about’ after he faced criticism in the build-up to this summer’s World Cup

Also on Wednesday, Yirenkyi’s last-gasp winner seals victory for Ghana, Diaz shines as Colombia beat Uzbekistan

Captain Harry Kane credited Thomas Tuchel with delivering a half-time team talk that propelled England to a 4-2 win over Croatia to launch their World Cup title bid on Wednesday.