Updated

Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 10

Prince William Watches England's 1-0 Mexico Win as World Cup Run Fuels Royal Football Image

Updated

Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 10

Prince William Watches England's 1-0 Mexico Win as World Cup Run Fuels Royal Football Image

Q: Is Jude Bellingham's historic form enough to carry a weakened England squad past Norway's Erling Haaland?

Probably yes — but not by Bellingham alone. England remain favourites against Norway, and Bellingham’s form is the biggest reason why. His two goals against Mexico made him the first player to score twice at the Azteca in a World Cup match since Diego Maradona in 1986, and Gary Neville said he has “carried England” through recent matches. At 23, he is producing the kind of all-action, decisive displays that can tilt knockout ties. But the idea that he can simply drag England through on his own is too simplistic. England are weakened: Jarell Quansah is suspended after his red card against Mexico, and Jordan Henderson is out of the tournament with a broken wrist. That matters against a Norway side built around Haaland, who has seven goals in the tournament and just eliminated Brazil with two more. Haaland’s record — 62 goals in 54 internationals — underlines the scale of the threat. The matchup may come down less to star power than to structure. England have been described by analysts as hard to beat, allowing few shots and goals and getting strong value from set pieces. Neville still sees them as favourites, but he has also warned about defensive vulnerability — a dangerous flaw against a striker who needs very little service. So Bellingham’s form looks sufficient to give England the edge, especially with Harry Kane alongside him. But if England’s reshaped defence loses control of Haaland, even a historic Bellingham performance may not be enough.

3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 10

Windsor saw Prince William stay up through the night to watch England's 1-0 World Cup win over Mexico, with the Prince of Wales already planning to attend the 19 July final in New Jersey if England get there.
As Football Association patron, William has watched every England match and stayed in direct contact with players and staff during the tournament, with several squad members holding his personal phone number.
Aston Villa's 3-0 Europa League final win in May reinforced that image: William posted "UTV! VTID" from his official account, celebrated in Istanbul and joined the dressing-room festivities afterward.
That unusually public fandom sets him apart from recent senior royals, whose sporting identities centered more on horseracing, tennis or polo than football.
With more than 9 million viewers watching England beat Mexico overnight, William's football devotion gives the future king a broad, relatable link to the public as the World Cup advances.