But from the World Cup warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rice, things started to look different – with Bellingham impressing.
In the first World Cup game against Croatia, Bellingham scored a fantastic solo goal to put England 3-2 ahead.
And against Panama, when England were struggling for a breakthrough in the final group game, Bellingham scored the crucial goal to break the deadlock.
While he was substituted in all three group games, Bellingham’s form was strong.
Against DR Congo in the last 32, he played an influential full-game.
And then came Mexico.
Two goals in an iconic victory – heralded as one of England’s greatest away wins – cemented his resurgence.
In five matches he has won three player of the match awards.
These awards mean he has to do media interviews, where he has portrayed both maturity and humility, playing down his role and speaking up for the team’s work ethic and togetherness, while praising his opponents – even offering one of his player awards to the other team.
After the ‘who else’ celebration of 2024, this time he has said he’d rather assist than score.
His change in tone tallies with his on-field performances. His work-rate is a driving force alongside his talent – remember his goal-saving challenge against Mexico.
He has won praise for being adaptable, in particular in moving between a 10 and eight role at times, depending on the needs of the team, and is a key part of the England leadership group with Kane and others.
It is not know exactly what happened with Tuchel and Bellingham.
Was it all overblown or was there has been some level of the German asserting his leadership over the whole squad – perhaps recognising and managing that main character syndrome?
But whatever the truth, Bellingham has looked happy, has played well and has been a key part of a squad that seems genuinely together.
It is easy to forget, with all he has achieved, that Bellingham is only 23. He has had to mature in the brightest spotlight.
Bellingham – and Kane – have been widely regarded as the indispensable superstars of the England team.
And with a quarter-final against Norway on Saturday, there could be more goals to cement his greatness.
