Jude Bellingham has emerged as England's talismanic force heading into the 2026 World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with Michael Owen suggesting the Real Madrid star could challenge for the Ballon d'Or if the Three Lions end their 60-year trophy drought. The former England striker, who won the prestigious award in 2001, believes Bellingham possesses the rare combination of physical and mental excellence required to deliver on football's biggest stages.
Bellingham's tournament form has been exceptional, recording six goals across as many fixtures, including two braces against Mexico and Norway. At just 21, the midfielder has already demonstrated the kind of match-winning ability that defined previous English icons. Owen drew comparisons to Gascoigne and Rooney in assessing Bellingham's capacity to produce moments of magic when it matters most, praising his movement, work rate, and composure in high-pressure situations.
Building a World Cup Winner Around Bellingham
Owen emphasised that England's success depends on developing multiple players operating at Bellingham's elite level. "If we're going to win a World Cup, we need three or four players at his level," Owen stated during his exclusive interview. France and other traditional powerhouses have built their squads around clusters of world-class talent, whereas England currently relies heavily on one or two standout performers. Bellingham's consistency at club level—playing as a star of Real Madrid's squad—demonstrates his readiness to anchor an entire team's ambitions.
The Ballon d'Or conversation around both Bellingham and Harry Kane will intensify if England performs a deep run in North America. Kane, fresh from scoring 61 goals for Bayern Munich last season, remains a contender for individual accolades. However, Owen noted that the outcome of the tournament itself will determine whether either Englishman enters the conversation dominated by France's elite forwards and rising talents like Lamine Yamal and Michael Olise.
Argentina Challenge and Tournament Momentum
Facing Lionel Messi's Argentina in the semi-final presents a defining moment for Thomas Tuchel's side. Though Messi has never encountered England in his storied career, his presence symbolises the calibre of opposition standing between the Three Lions and their first World Cup triumph since 1966. Bellingham's ability to influence proceedings both defensively and offensively will prove crucial in determining whether England can navigate past the South American champions and advance toward potential World Cup glory.
The midfielder's emergence as England's talisman mirrors the impact Gascoigne had during the 1990 World Cup campaign—a player who elevated the entire team through individual moments of brilliance. If Bellingham can sustain this trajectory through the knockout stages and England delivers a first major trophy since the euros dominance sought after for nearly seven decades, individual award recognition could soon follow.
