Bellingham said he was happy to be in the position where he could make the most of his time with his teammates.

England's "Three Lions" defeated Croatia 4-2 in their first Group L match of the 2026 World Cup, thanks to a brace from Harry Kane, along with goals from Julius Bellingham and Marcus Rashford. Bellingham stated that the team was able to turn the tide because the manager and coaching staff placed the players in their most effective positions.

Modric fouled Maduk while clearing the ball in the 9th minute, awarding England a penalty. Kane's initial penalty was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Livakovic, but after VAR intervention, it was determined that Livakovic had moved prematurely, resulting in a retake. Kane then converted the second penalty, giving England a 1-0 lead.

In the 36th minute, Susic passed the ball back from the penalty area, and Martin Battulina scored with a long-range shot, helping Croatia equalize 1-1. In the 42nd minute, Rice took a corner kick, and Kane headed the ball into the net, helping England regain the lead 2-1.

In the first half stoppage time, Perisic assisted Petar Musa to score with a volley, helping Croatia equalize again at 2-2.

Shortly after the start of the second half, Elliott Anderson played a through ball to Bellingham, who slotted home from inside the box to give England a 3-2 lead. In the 85th minute, Rashford received a cross from Saka and curled a shot into the net, making it 4-2. Ultimately, England defeated Croatia 4-2 in this crucial match.

Real Madrid midfielder Bellingham said, "I think we showed our characteristics, especially in the second half, and showed what kind of team we want to be. We were a bit nervous and cautious in the first half. I think the team's organization in defense was good, the pressing was very good, and the intensity of the game off the ball was also very high, but we may have been a bit too hasty when we had the ball."

“In the second half, we created a better rhythm, and that’s when everyone really saw our full potential. I think the second half wasn’t just about a few highlights; we maintained a very high level of intensity off the ball, and the substitutes were incredible, including Rashford, Gibbs White, and Saka. Even in the last minute of stoppage time, they kept pressing from the front.”

Bellingham noted, "We have a mature team and many excellent leaders. I think everyone knows what level they should be at and why they didn't achieve that in the first half. Our strategy in the second half was very clear, and the goal we scored early in the second half laid a very good foundation for us."

When discussing his goal, Bellingham said, "I don't remember the passing details of the attack very clearly, but I remember Elliott Anderson's pass was brilliant, and Marduk seemed to be trying to take the ball from my feet, but he had no chance. Then I dribbled into the penalty area and took the shot."

“We spent weeks practicing repeatedly to create this attacking combination. I must commend the head coach and his coaching staff; they enabled us to be in the most effective positions, which changed the game.”

In addition, Bellingham said, "When I step onto the pitch, put on this shirt with the England crest and the number 10 on my back, I have a responsibility to give everything for the team and the country. Whether with the ball or not, I want to dedicate all my energy to the team."

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