Jude Bellingham was happy to "remind people what I'm about" as the England star conceded he came into the World Cup with a point to prove.

Bellingham scored early in the second half as England overcame Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener.

The Real Madrid midfielder's goal put England back in front after Croatia had twice pegged them back during the first half in Dallas.

England stepped up the intensity after half-time, with substitute Marcus Rashford rounding off the win late on.

Thomas Tuchel and Bellingham did not appear to be on the best terms during England's qualifying campaign, and there was debate over whether Morgan Rogers would start behind Harry Kane at this tournament. 

However, Bellingham played from the off and became the youngest European player in history to make an appearance at four different major tournaments (Euros/World Cup), aged 22 years and 353 days.

Furthermore, 57% of his England goals have come at major tournaments (4/7) – the highest ratio of any player with 5+ goals for the Three Lions.

"Personally, it was nice to put some of the noise aside and show my country, show my team-mates how committed I am to helping us win football matches," Bellingham told BBC Sport.

"I think it was a great team performance [in the] second half. First half, we still got the intensity right, but with the ball it wasn't quite there and [in the] second half I think we put it all together nicely.

"To contribute to help my team, help my country is one of the biggest honours, regardless of the noise outside, that honour doesn't change for me.

"It's been a tougher season for me. I feel fresh and sharp and strong and ready to give everything I have."

England 4-2 Croatia

England start their quest for World Cup glory with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.

The first half was slightly shaky, but the Three Lions dominated after the break and secured the three points. pic.twitter.com/9NBb19Oxma

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) June 17, 2026

Asked if the speculation over his place in the team had added fuel to the fire, Bellingham said: "A little bit. I've got a little bit of a chip on my shoulder.

"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 about anyone that says bad things about me, because sometimes I do deserve it and today I think it was nice to try and show people and remind people what I'm about."

Bellingham is one of only five European players to have scored in each of the last three major tournaments, and the youngest of the five to do so.

"It is an easy decision to have Jude in the team," Tuchel told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"It is a very difficult decision to leave Morgan Rogers out for what he did for us, for Aston Villa and also, especially for me since I was in charge.

"That was a tough one, but I am very happy with how Jude played, because Jude knows that he does not have to do it alone.

"He can rely on others, he thrives in these circumstances, and we know that. He can be more economical and rely on others. He needs to be a reliable team player, which he absolutely was. So, well done."