Jude Bellingham has been England’s star man at the World Cup. In England’s 3–2 victory over Mexico on Monday, the Real Madrid attacker not only scored two goals, but made vital blocks at key moments during the game. His performances throughout this tournament – including three Player of the Match awards, four goals and one assist – have been nothing short of world-class. Bellingham’s confidence, unapologetic attitude, swagger and unorthodox temperament have been infectious. But these qualities have not always been welcomed.

For some, Bellingham’s flash of frustration signalled ego and petulance

For some, Bellingham’s flash of frustration signalled ego and petulance

Last autumn, headlines fixated on Jude Bellingham’s touchline reaction to being substituted in a World Cup qualifier against Albania. Reactions were sharply polarised: for some, his flash of frustration signalled ego and petulance; for others, it showed a young, prodigiously talented man under immense pressure.

Ian Wright’s impassioned defence of Bellingham pushed the issue further, reigniting the long-running debate about racism in English football. But there is a deeper question worth asking: what did Bellingham’s expressive personality have to........

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