Teenager Bellingham proving the driving force behind England's World Cup run

Everyone knew of Kylian Mbappe prior to the 2018 World Cup. A year earlier, he had moved from Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain in a deal expected to be worth in the region of £160m. Yet his performances in Russia changed how the entire world viewed him. Despite being just 19 at the time, he was no longer viewed as a wonderkid. He was the real deal.  

We’re watching the exact same thing happen with Jude Bellingham in Qatar.   

The BVB midfielder had impressed in Germany and caught the eye in the Champions League. But stepping up and delivering for your country in the World Cup is a different level entirely. Whereas heading into the tournament he was viewed as someone who could provide a spark to this England team, the feeling now is that he is integral to the way Gareth Southgate’s side play. He has transitioned from luxury to necessity in the space of four games.   

He’s been that good that people have stopped tagging ‘for a 19-year-old’ onto every compliment.  

Bellingham is the heartbeat of this England side. He kicked off their World Cup campaign with a headed goal against Iran and assisted the opener in the round-of-16 clash against Senegal. The former Birmingham City youngster could well be the missing piece of the puzzle for Southgate as he looks to finally end the nation's 56-year wait for silverware.  

England coasted to a quarter-final clash with France on Sunday night, running out 3-0 winners against Senegal. Bellingham wasn’t among the goals but he was the best player on the pitch, finishing the game with an 8.46 WhoScored rating.  

We know that he set up Jordan Henderson for the first goal of the game. But he also attempted more dribbles than anyone else, won two of his three aerial duels, won 100% of his tackles and made two interceptions to complete one of the most all-around midfield performances you’ll see at the competition.  

His box-to-box ability has allowed Southgate to play a new system at the World Cup.  

In previous tournaments, England have used a double pivot. This time around, however, the Three Lions are using Declan Rice as a single pivot and the other two midfielders are pushing on to make it a front five. You can see it in the average position map below from the win over Senegal.  

As a result of this, England have scored a minimum of three goals in three of their four outings and have 12 goals across four matches. There is not an overreliance on a certain Harry Kane for goals and the Spurs man is actually able to recreate what he does at club level. So everyone is benefitting and it is no doubt why so many players (8) are already among the goals.  

The Stourbridge-born middle third master is also breaking records at this tournament. His assist against Senegal means he’s the first teenager to assist in a World Cup knockout stage game since 1966 - Opta data only goes back that far.  

Bellingham was lauded by teammates in interviews after the game against Aliou Cisse’s men.  

Phil Foden told ITV that the Dortmund No.22 "will be the best midfielder in the world" and claims he has "no weaknesses in his game".  

While Jordan Henderson, speaking to BBC Sport, said: "I can't keep saying nice things about him because we're talking about a one-off. He's only young and we just need to let him play football - but he is incredible."

Mbappe used the 2018 World Cup to show that he was no longer a boy but a man. Bellingham has done the exact same thing. The France forward delivered the World Cup that year, lets's see what the England midfielder can do in the remainder of the tournament.