India, July 12 -- Harry Kane remains England's captain, their record-breaking goalscorer, and the player they would probably trust above anyone else with one chance to win a World Cup semi-final.

Yet England's turbulent journey through the 2026 tournament has revealed a different emotional centre. Kane remains the leader of the team, but Jude Bellingham has increasingly become the force that makes it move.

The distinction is important. Kane has been magnificent. Bellingham, however, has become indispensable in more ways.

England's campaign began with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia, a match that immediately established the pair as the pillars of Thomas Tuchel's attack. Kane scored twice in the first half, but Croatia equalised on ...