The World Cup game Jude Bellingham says he will never forget

 International soccer returns this week following a memorable World Cup in Mexico, the United States and Canada. The tournament was particularly historic for two of its three hosts: Mexico became the first nation to stage the World Cup three times, while the United States hosted it for the second time, 32 years after USA 1994. Canada, meanwhile, hosted the men’s tournament for the first time.As national teams come together again, there are still plenty of memories from what happened across North America in June and July. One of them belongs to Jude Bellingham, who has been looking back on a particularly memorable night in Mexico City, although one Mexican fans will remember rather less fondly.

Jude Bellingham will never forget Mexico

In a social media feature shared on England’s official channels, Bellingham answered a series of questions about his international career. Asked about his most memorable game for the Three Lions, his answer was immediate: Mexico.

“It was a huge occasion. There was a lot of talk before the game about the altitude, and going into their domain—they’ve been very strong there at the World Cup for many years. To be able to win that game, face adversity, and have a good impact was incredible,” Bellingham said.

Bellingham also picked his opening goal in that game, a header in the 36th minute, as one of his favorites for the senior national team. It was memorable not so much because of the goal itself, but because of what it meant at that moment and on that stage.

On Sunday, July 5, at Estadio Ciudad de México, Bellingham scored two of England’s three goals in a 3-2 victory over Javier Aguirre’s Mexico. Despite having a numerical advantage for much of the second half and the backing of the home crowd, El Tri could not complete the comeback. Bellingham scored twice in the first half before England were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute.

Beyond his two goals, Bellingham produced one of the finest performances of his career that night. Immediately after the game, he called it “the best night of my England career.”