Kane and Bellingham scored 10 of England's 11 World Cup goals — and the dependence is as alarming as it is thrilling
10 of England's 11 World Cup goals came from Kane or Bellingham. The reliance is alarming — but the duo already saved England against Mexico with 10 men.
Arms wide open, side by side, soaking in the roar of the English supporters at the Azteca. The image of Kane and Bellingham after the first goal against Mexico has already become a symbol of this World Cup — and it captures everything England have that is both brilliant and fragile at the same time.
It was Bellingham who opened the scoring. Less than two minutes later, Kane set up the Real Madrid midfielder to make it two. Quick, surgical, silencing the house. Then came the storm: defender Jarell Quansah was sent off, Mexico hit back to level at 2–2, and with England a man down and the Azteca roaring back to life, Kane stepped up to the penalty spot. He converted. 3–2. Qualification secured.
Ten of England's eleven goals at this World Cup have been scored by one of the two. The dependence is real — and Thomas Tuchel knows it.
Golmetria's model gives England a 10.9% chance of lifting the trophy, placing them among the tournament's genuine contenders. But any injury or suspension to either player changes everything.
The next challenge is against Erling Haaland's Norway in Miami, in the quarter-finals. In other words: the best centre-forward in the world against the England captain, with Bellingham trying to be the difference-maker through the middle. Drama is guaranteed.
Does the World Cup have an owner yet? Not quite. But it has protagonists — and two of them wear white.