Why Jude Bellingham can lead England to World Cup glory

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Stood with his arms wide in front of England's fans going bonkers as he gave his country the lead against Panama in New York City, Jude Bellingham once again showed he was England's man for the big occasion. He always delivers and he loves stepping up when it matters most. "Hey Jude!" rang out form the England fans on multiple occasions during the game as they lauded their charismatic playmaker. It was sung loud and proud after the game, as well as "Judeeeeee" being chanted when he was shown on the big screen. When you speak to England fans about this World Cup there's a clear sense of extra urgency. They know they have a great chance to win it all with this hugely talented squad. That constant sound in the back of their mind is a clock ticking away. Annoyingly. Bellingham plays like he hears it too. He is England's spirit. He senses the anxiety, the demand to make something happens. Now. And he embraces it. Once again, Bellingham delivered when his country needed him most as they won Group L thanks to his second half exploits. Five of Bellingham's eight England goals have come in major tournaments. The Real Madrid star has already been England's match-winner in two games at this World Cup with a huge goal against Croatia to make it 3-2, and he then swung this game in England's favor with two moments of class in the space of five minutes to beat Panama. First he somehow stuck out a telescopic leg to flick home a corner whilst simultaneously wrestling with a defender. Raising his arms to the grey New Jersey sky with his trademark celebration, Bellingham roared with delight and relief. So did England's fans. A few minutes later he then danced his way down the left and past a defender before placing a perfect cross onto the head of Harry Kane to put England 2-0 up. Bellingham joined in with Kane's trademark celebration and he not only loves the limelight, he lives for it. But against Panama it wasn't just the glory of his goal and the assist, it was Bellingham's general play that dazzled. He was everywhere during his 71 minutes on the pitch. He buzzed around in a slightly deeper role as England played a 4-1-4-1 formation and even though the Three Lions struggled to break down a stubborn Panama side and it looked like they may not win Group L, it was always Bellingham who looked the most comfortable marauding around midfield, launching into tackles and setting the tone for England's press. Nobody on the pitch won more duels, made more tackles or won more fouls than Bellingham. He dominated. For so long the focus has been on Kane and his goalscoring exploits, and that is hugely important, but Bellingham in this type of form and mood is England's best hope of finally winning the World Cup again after a 60-year wait. He has the x-factor and the charisma and driving spirit to do the unexpected. England need exactly that against teams who will sit deep and defend and hope for the best against them. Bellingham knows he can be the difference. He proved it again in New. York. He loves the big moment and England loves him.