But from the World Cup warm-up matches against New Zealand and Costa Rica, 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.
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.
Two goals in an iconic victory in Mexico – heralded as one of England’s greatest away wins – cemented his resurgence.
Bellingham scored two again in a 2-1 victory against Norway in a closely contested quarter-final in Miami to put England only one win away from their first men’s World Cup final since 1966.
In six matches he has won four 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.
The 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 he is a key part of the England leadership group with Kane and others.
It is not known exactly what happened with Tuchel and Bellingham.
Was it all overblown or was there some level of the German asserting his leadership over the whole squad – perhaps recognising and managing that main character syndrome?
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 semi-final against either Switzerland or reigning champions Argentina on Wednesday, there could be more goals to cement his greatness.
