Gary Neville has offered a critical review of England’s performances at the World Cup, asserting that Jude Bellingham is the sole player in Thomas Tuchel’s squad currently performing to the expected standard. Although the Three Lions advanced to the round of 32 by finishing top of Group L, the former Manchester United captain believes the rest of the team must improve significantly to prevent an early knockout-stage exit.

Bellingham shines in a lacklustre victory

England confirmed their place in the knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday night, yet the display did little to quieten the sceptics. Goals from Bellingham and Harry Kane helped England top Group L, arranging a round of 32 tie against DR Congo in Atlanta on Wednesday.

Neville singled out Bellingham as the only player meeting expectations in an otherwise inconsistent side. Speaking to ITV, the former defender said: “Absolutely, [Bellingham is England’s best player]. He’s the one player who looks in form, the one who looks fresh. He’s sharp, energetic, and performing at the level expected. These players have set a benchmark by reaching finals and semi-finals in recent years.”

Neville calls for tactical improvements

England’s defensive organisation has been questioned, particularly in the absence of Declan Rice during the final group game. Neville pointed out that Panama found it too easy to penetrate England’s backline, warning that tougher opponents will capitalise if such issues persist.

“In Thomas Tuchel’s interview, he said, ‘we’ll step up in bigger games’ — and they’ll have to,” Neville added. “I don’t think he’ll review the match analysis with his staff and feel everything’s fine. We need to regroup over the next four days, get Declan Rice back in the line-up, and make the back four more solid. Panama broke through our defence several times — they lacked the quality to punish us, but stronger teams won’t be so forgiving.”

High expectations bring disappointment

Neville also suggested that the success of previous tournaments has raised expectations so high that even winning the group feels underwhelming. He admitted that the current squad’s performances have not consistently matched the level fans have come to expect.

“There were times with England when we didn’t make it out of the group, and often we finished second before enduring tough routes to the quarter-finals,” Neville said. “This is probably the most disappointed we’ve ever been after topping a group. The reason is these players have set such high standards over the years that we now expect more — more from Bellingham, more from [Morgan] Rogers, more from [Marcus] Rashford. That improvement needs to come now.”

Ian Wright defends Bellingham’s confidence

While Neville concentrated on team structure, Ian Wright addressed criticism of Bellingham’s personality. Some have described the midfielder’s self-assurance as arrogance, but the Arsenal legend countered that this self-belief is precisely what makes the 22-year-old such a vital figure for England.

“I don’t understand the criticism. I’ve always supported him based on what I’ve seen,” Wright explained. “People mistake his confidence for arrogance, but when you watch him — whether it’s against New Zealand or Costa Rica — he’s always the same. He gives everything, wants to lift the team, and thrives on the responsibility. That’s what makes him special.”