Quote · The Rest Is Football
Mentality monster Bellingham sees England top the group
Where this was said
Harry Maguire on England's Win and Jude Bellingham
At 8:50 · chapter starts 7:35
Maguire joins from a villa in Portugal where he is staying fit for preseason. He frames England's win in context — the Croatia game was the most important in the group, and Panama games are always tough. But he is emphatic on Bellingham: the best player on the pitch, a man who steps up when the country needs him, and someone who has been in four major tournaments at a remarkably young age. When Lineker raises the media narrative that Bellingham had been 'too big for his boots', Maguire pushes back firmly: it was never arrogance, always confidence — confidence he has had since he was 18 years old. Maguire's view is clear: if England are going to succeed, they need Bellingham and Kane at the top of their game.
Bellingham isn't just talented — he's the guy who shows up when the whole country needs him. Maguire explains that in the tightest, most pressured moments, Bellingham is the one who changes the game, as he proved against Panama with a goal and an assist.
Jude Bellingham has appeared in four major international tournaments for England, a remarkable feat given his age.
England fans and media turned on Bellingham over the past year with rumours he was 'too big for his boots.' Lineker calls it a typically English trait — discomfort with overt confidence. Maguire pushes back hard: it was never arrogance, just the self-belief of a born winner.
Alan Shearer named Jude Bellingham England's best player across all three group stage games at the World Cup.
Rashford looked a constant threat against Panama — direct, sharp, and putting crosses in from the first whistle. Maguire, who played with him for years at United, says when Rashford is in that direct mode he is unstoppable. The elephant in the room: where will he play next season?
