Bellingham Smashes England World Cup Goal Record

Historic Goal Gives England Third Place

Jude Bellingham launched a counter‑attack from the halfway line, evaded a defender and slotted the ball into the bottom corner in the final minute of the third‑place play‑off, sealing a 6‑4 victory over France. The strike made him the first Englishman ever to notch seven goals at a single World Cup, surpassing the previous English tally for the tournament.

At 23, Bellingham also tied the record for most goals by an Englishman at a major tournament, joining Alan Shearer and Harry Kane, both of whom scored seven at Euro 2000 and Euro 2024 respectively. The Real Madrid midfielder was introduced in the 79th minute and his late finish proved decisive in the high‑scoring clash.

Key Moments and Player Quotes

Earlier in the match Bellingham looked set to take a penalty, but he deliberately passed the ball to Bukayo Saka, who calmly converted to complete his hat‑trick. “No, Jude [Baylingham] was never taking it,” Saka said on BBC One. “He was the first one to say go and get your hat‑trick, so none of them came to distract me. I was always going to take it.”

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy praised Bellingham’s confidence during the broadcast: “He has such confidence in his own ability. The patience, the skill, the shot. What a goal from England’s best player.” The commentary highlighted how Bellingham’s single strike capped a dominant performance from the English side.

Reaction and Legacy

Bellingham’s haul places him alongside Gary Lineker and Harry Kane among England’s most prolific World Cup scorers, though Lineker’s six in Mexico ‘86 and Kane’s six in Russia 2018 sit below Bellingham’s seven‑goal mark. The achievement signals a new benchmark for English forwards on the global stage.

Watch every Bellingham goal at 2026 World Cup