England launched their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a decisive 4-2 victory over Croatia, powered by a goal from captain Jude Bellingham.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who also captains Real Madrid, is now the youngest European player to appear in four major international tournaments. His debut season at Real Madrid was spectacular, producing 23 goals and helping the club secure the La Liga and Champions League titles.
Manager Thomas Tuchel has built his tactical system around Bellingham, who remains the sole Real Madrid representative in the England squad. The team's group also includes Ghana and Panama.
Despite Bellingham's global profile, there has been no meaningful crypto endorsement tied to England's World Cup effort. A meme token, $JUDE, created without his authorization, has lost nearly all its value, underscoring the risks of sports-adjacent digital assets.