Jude Bellingham says England must win World Cup to lay 1986 ghost to rest
Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal eliminated England 40 years ago at the Azteca and Argentina went on to win the World Cup.
Jude Bellingham says England will only fully exorcise the ghost of the Estadio Azteca if they go on to win the World Cup.
Bellingham was the star as England produced one of the defining performances of their history to beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2 in a thrilling last-16 encounter in Mexico City.
It was their first match at the famous stadium since Diego Maradona produced the famous ‘Hand of God’ goal 40 years ago to eliminate England on the way to Argentina winning the 1986 World Cup.
That moment has been a constant point of reference for England and Bellingham says it will only be wiped out if his side can go on and win three more matches, starting with Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway in Miami.
Asked if this had laid the 1986 ghost to rest, Bellingham said: “They (Argentina) went on and won it, so we are still a few games away from righting that wrong.
“But the focus has to be on the next game. The performance was incredible tonight and we have to enjoy it.
“We will sing songs until we lose our voices on the plane.
“We will have a couple of days to recover and we will focus on Norway.”
The famous win would not have been possible without Bellingham, who produced one of England’s great World Cup displays.
He scored twice in 98 seconds to put England 2-0 up in the first half and then produced a goal-saving block to stop Mexico equalising before half-time.
The Real Madrid star was then at the forefront of England’s rearguard action, running himself into the ground as they battled bravely with 10 men following Jarell Quansah’s red card.
He knows a lot falls on his shoulders but is insistent England have a squad that can win the World Cup together.
“I am aware of the responsibility; I am aware of the pressure that I carry, along with all of the other players,” he said.
“I know there is responsibility on the pitch in terms of our roles.
“I know what I can offer to the team.
“But we have 26 lads in the squad who can do exactly what I did tonight. I am convinced of it and I hope a result like this can give them conviction that they are top players.
“We shouldn’t fear anyone, we shouldn’t wait 40, 50 minutes to realise we are a very good team.
“I hope this win instils belief in this squad because they deserve to feel this way.”