Birmingham City: Demarai Gray reacts to what Jude Bellingham did v Croatia | OneFootball

The former Blues ace was a shining light for the Three Lions in Dallas

After watching several other high-profile nations get off to mixed starts in the FIFA World Cup 2026 across North America, England sent out a statement of their own against Croatia, with the two countries facing off yet again at a major tournament.

Eight years ago, Zlatko Dalic's side got the better of Sir Gareth Southgate's Three Lions in the World Cup semi-final in Moscow, before England emerged victorious three years later in their opening match of UEFA Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium.

There had been plenty of mixed reactions in the lead-up to the current World Cup over Thomas Tuchel's squad selection and performances in pre-tournament friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica.

However, the majority of those concerns soon dissipated as the German's first taste of tournament action with England ended in enthralling fashion at Dallas Stadium on Wednesday night, with his team winning 4-2.

For all up and down the country, it will certainly be a match to remember in the years to come, especially if the well-documented 60-year trophy drought is to come to an end between now and July 19th, when the final takes place at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

Harry Kane's retaken penalty got the ball rolling after just 12 minutes, before the Bayern Munich striker powered home a free header 30 minutes later to cancel out Martin Baturina's initial opener, only to see Croatia equalise again on the stroke of half-time through Petar Musa.

England then responded 30 seconds into the second half when ex-Birmingham City ace, Jude Bellingham slotted home, before Marcus Rashford's 85th-minute strike sealed the three points in Group L.

Demarai Gray reacts to Jude Bellingham's England exploits v Croatia

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Many of the current squad can give thanks to clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two for enhancing their development, and, unsurprisingly, Bellingham is seen as an icon at Birmingham for his impact at the club despite making just 44 appearances in 2019/20, as well as what he has achieved afterwards.

The 22-year-old, currently of Real Madrid, saw his shirt number - 22 - retired at St. Andrew's @ Knighthead Park six years ago after his initial move to Borussia Dortmund to help inspire those coming through at the now-Knighthead Performance Centre, Wast Hills.

Demarai Gray is someone who came through the same pathway and into Blues' first-team under Lee Clark, and returned to B9 last summer on a free transfer, nine-and-a-half years after moving to Leicester City for £3.7m and going on to win the Premier League.

Now 29, the Jamaican international endured a mixed first season back at his hometown club, and could leave for a cut-price fee before July 10th due to an exit clause in his contract.

However, he was one of thousands of fellow footballers and supporters reacting to Bellingham's social media post after helping England get off to the perfect start.

"Just the start, brilliant from everyone. Let’s keep this thing going!," said Bellingham, to which Gray responded with just one word, but a valid one at that.

"Top 👏🏾," Gray said.

Jude Bellingham continues to make Birmingham City fans proud on a global stage

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At present, many across the nation are pinning England's hopes of achieving greatness this summer on Bellingham's impact - one which those in Birmingham and the West Midlands know about more than most, but not just on the pitch.

The midfield sensation was heavily involved in the video which unveiled the club's upcoming 62,000-seater Powerhouse stadium, and has recently taken a minority stake in the city's Hundred cricket franchise, Birmingham Phoenix, with Blues' owners, Knighthead Capital Management, acquiring a 49% controlling stake last February.

As such, the Stourbridge-born man certainly continues to make those who first supported him proud on a global stage, having now scored seven times for England in 49 outings.

Next up for him and Tuchel's side is a clash with Ghana at Boston Stadium on Tuesday night in a 9PM kick-off UK time, with the Black Stars defeating Panama in Toronto in Thursday's early hours through Caleb Yirenkyi's 95th-minute winner.