When Jude Bellingham stood in front of the box with English fans after the victory over Norway (2-1) in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, the Beatles classic ‘Hey Jude’ sounded from the speakers of the stadium in Miami. Perfect timing.

The England fans at the Hard Rock Stadium sang along passionately, including the Beckham family. With two goals, Bellingham was the English Man of the Match, just like earlier against Mexico (3-2).

Bellingham has won the hearts of the fans and convinced the biggest critics this World Cup. “He’s sensational,” former international Gary Neville told Sky Sports. “He’s England’s superstar.”

Comparison with Gravenberch

Rafael van der Vaart is also convinced. “I’m enjoying it,” says the 109-time Dutch international. “I was never really a fan, he is not my type of number ten, but I am happy with how he is playing now. He has proven me wrong, although my opinion is not that important.”

Three years ago, Van der Vaart compared Bellingham with Ryan Gravenberch, when the Englishman still played for Borussia Dortmund and the Dutchman with Bayern Munich. Van der Vaart thought Gravenberch was better and saw more potential in the Dutchman.

A few months later, Bellingham played brilliantly at Real Madrid and Gravenberch had to wait for his breakthrough at Liverpool. Van der Vaart had to regularly defend his statement.

Only when Gravenberch started to excel at Liverpool in the first season under Arne Slot was Van der Vaart able to celebrate his ‘right’. “And now they are both doing well,” says Van der Vaart with satisfaction.

‘Leave Jude at home’

Today’s praise for Bellingham in England is in stark contrast to public opinion less than a year ago. There were doubts in various media, especially about his character. The Daily Mail’s message was harsh.

“Leave Jude at home,” was the telling headline of an article in the British tabloid. “Tuchel is convinced that you can only win the World Cup as a selfless collective. Bellingham has proven to be a divisive and unmanageable.”

This World Cup, the texts came back like a boomerang to the writer of the article, Craig Hope, football chief of the Daily Mail. “I am waiting for his apology,” said former international Rio Ferdinand.

Of course they didn’t come. Moreover, it was not only the British news that was critical of Bellingham. National coach Tuchel also fought many a row with the midfielder last year.

For example, Bellingham reacted angrily to a disallowed goal against Senegal a year ago. Tuchel called the reaction “a bit disgusting”, even for his mother, watching in front of the television.

‘Must respect each other in this team’

And in November, Bellingham was substituted by Tuchel in the World Cup qualifier against Albania and the Real player did not agree. Out of incomprehension, he threw his arms in the air and angrily walked off the field.

“We make the decision and he has to accept it,” Tuchel said. “I saw that he was not happy, but we should not make it too big. One thing is clear: we have to respect each other in this team.”

The incident came a month after Tuchel even left Bellingham out of the selection. The urgent appeal from the Daily Mail followed, but the German did not listen to it.

Several big names did not participate, but Bellingham did. The right choice, as it turned out. Bellingham will represent his country at this World Cup. Partly thanks to Tuchel, who developed a style of play in which two of his top players flourish.

As the deepest midfielder behind striker Harry Kane, the only 23-year-old Bellingham shines and is decisive with six goals, as many as Kane. “Jude is simply world class,” said Tuchel after the match with Norway.

Difference of opinion

There was a striking difference of opinion about the game. “The result is great, but I’m not happy with our performance. Not in any way,” said Tuchel. “We were lucky.”

Bellingham saw it differently, more positively, just after he had been sung so cheerfully with ‘Hey Jude’. “. Maybe he doesn’t understand what it’s like to play in these conditions, against players like Haaland, Ødegaard, Nusa and Sørloth.”

Van der Vaart also really enjoyed such a reaction: “I can’t stand those standard interviews anymore. This was fantastic. Very nice, you need this.”