In June 2024, Jude Bellingham delivered a stunning overhead kick in the 95th minute against Slovakia, securing England's hopes at the Euros. Following a 2-0 win over Panama, Bellingham's impact on the pitch mirrored that dramatic moment.

Thomas Tuchel has maintained a consistent tactical approach throughout the tournament, yet subtle adjustments were necessary due to injuries. Bellingham played a crucial role in adapting the team's strategy, stepping into a box-to-box position in Declan Rice’s absence.

In their initial matches, England focused on building from the back, utilizing two central defenders and Elliott Anderson in midfield, while full-backs occupied wider roles. This strategy altered against Panama, as Jarell Quansah replaced the injured Reece James, shifting to a back three in possession. Instead of Harry Kane dropping deep, Bellingham supported Anderson, allowing England's formation to shift between a 3-2-5 and a 3-1-6.

Tuchel emphasized Bellingham's versatility, stating he “played as a 10 when we had the ball,” aiming to outnumber Panama's defense. Key principles under Tuchel included:

• Enticing pressure before accelerating play
• Vertical passing for runners
• Collective counter-pressing upon losing possession
• Building primarily through wide areas
• Maximizing set-pieces

Against Panama, England also attempted to build through the center, acknowledging the need for an extra dimension due to the injury to James. Bellingham's tactical intelligence shone as he adapted his game, finding creative ways to distribute the ball and drawing fouls when necessary.

At halftime, assistant coach Anthony Barry pointed out England's struggle with control, noting too many central ball losses led to counter-attacks. Bellingham's relentless energy and defensive contributions proved vital, showcasing his ability to cover ground and execute critical tackles. His performance encapsulated England's growing tactical evolution, setting a promising tone for the remainder of the tournament.