‘I’ve got a chip on my shoulder’: Jude Bellingham admits relief in silencing critics

The Real Madrid midfielder was chosen by Thomas Tuchel to start in England’s number 10 role for their opening match in Texas.

The 22-year-old, who at times splits opinion among England supporters and has not always enjoyed the easiest relationship with Tuchel, stepped up when his country needed him.

With a frenetic game locked at 2-2 at half-time, Bellingham scored two minutes into the second half to set England on course for an ultimately fairly comfortable win.

It capped an all-action performance from Bellingham, who started ahead of Morgan Rogers, and he told the BBC: “For me personally, it was nice to put some of the noise to one side and show my country, show my team-mates, how committed I am to helping us win football matches.”

Bellingham, who could play a vital role for England if they are to win their first major trophy since 1966, said it had been “a tougher season” for him.

But he arrives at football’s biggest stage feeling “fresh and sharp and strong, and ready to give everything”.

He added: “I’ve got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder.”

Asked if that helps him play better, he replied: “I think so. That helps me a lot to find that focus early in the game, to find that intensity.

“I know it’s part of being a footballer, I don’t hold a grudge against anyone who says bad things about me because sometimes I do deserve it.

“Today I think it was nice to try and show people and remind people what I’m about.”

Tuchel, who once described Bellingham’s on-field behaviour as “repulsive”, before apologising, challenged him to show the same level for however long England are in the tournament.

“A very good player, he deserved to start,” said the German coach.

“And that’s what he needs to do, fight for his place, to keep his place, that’s what he did, it was good.”