England and Norway contested a tightly contested encounter that was ultimately decided in the dying moments of extra time. While Harry Kane remains the team’s foremost star, it was Jude Bellingham who proved decisive, netting a brace that secured the win. Consequently, the 23‑year‑old has entered an exclusive cadre of players to net braces in successive World Cup matches.
Statistician MisterChip noted on X that Bellingham now joins the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Diego Maradona, Garrincha, Pelé, Sándor Kocsis, and Silvio Piola as the sole individuals to score braces in back‑to‑back World Cup knockout fixtures. These displays have cemented his status as England’s foremost threat alongside Harry Kane.
After an uneven spell at Real Madrid, Bellingham arrived in the 2026 World Cup under scrutiny. Deployed in a more forward‑focused capacity, he has regained his peak form, recording six goals and an assist across six matches — matching Kane as England’s top contributor.
Though not a traditional playmaker, Bellingham has discovered his optimal role near the goal. His displays in the 2026 tournament signal to José Mourinho that his most effective position is close to the centre‑forward. With Argentina, the defending champions, awaiting, Bellingham seeks another performance that further validates his elite level.
Bellingham scored in extra time
Kane is the key to Jude Bellingham’s resurgence with England
Jude Bellingham is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world. However, he is coming off two difficult seasons at Real Madrid, which seemed to leave him without a specific role. In response, Thomas Tuchel has found the key to maximizing the performances of the 23-year-old star: Harry Kane. By forming a solid attacking partnershipthe two constantly improve each other, creating space and drawing defenders out of position.
As Kane usually drops deep to receive the ball and act as a playmaker, Jude often ends up as the center forward. The veteran striker tends to create a lot of space with his freedom of movement, something Bellingham takes great advantage of. With space to shoot, he has rediscovered his goalscoring instinct, playing more as a second striker rather than an attacking midfielder.
At Real Madrid, Jude will not have the same system to shine. Kylian Mbappé is the center forward, being a more physical and goalscoring profile than a creative one. Because of this, Bellingham would have to adapt his profile once again, while always looking to stay close to the box. However, Jose Mourinho has the difficult task of creating a partnership between the Frenchman and the Englishman, something that will be key to maximizing their performances.