Bellingham reaching heights of World Cup legends with Messi next

Jude Bellingham is carrying England through the World Cup on what appears to be a personal mission to end the nation's 60-year wait for the trophy. The tournament can sometimes become the destiny of a single player, propelled by unstoppable momentum toward the sport's greatest prize.

Think of Diego Maradona with Argentina in 1986, Ronaldo's redemption with Brazil in 2002, or Lionel Messi finally claiming his Holy Grail with Argentina in 2022. Bellingham, England's two-goal hero against Norway in the Miami heat, has a long way to go to be bracketed with these iconic figures.

Significant barriers remain at this tournament. Messi and Argentina await in the semi-final after beating Switzerland. Beyond that, Spain or Kylian Mbappé's France could be the final hurdle to overcome in ending the agonizing barren years since England's last World Cup triumph on July 30, 1966.

Despite these formidable obstacles, world-class players can sometimes find the force of will to shape a World Cup to their liking. Bellingham is demonstrating this potential after a string of magnificent displays. His match-winning performances against Mexico and Norway have statistically flattered comparisons to legends.

Bellingham is the first player to score two or more goals in consecutive knockout stage games at a single World Cup since Maradona in 1986. At 23, he is the second youngest player to achieve this feat, behind only Pelé, who did so at 17 in 1958. His influence extends beyond goals, as evidenced by his statistics against Norway: five shots, most touches in the opposition box (6), most duels won (8), and fouls won (4). He is worthy of wearing the famous number '10' jersey, albeit in England's white.