Jude Bellingham is emerging as the driving force behind England's quest to end their 60-year wait for World Cup glory, producing match-winning performances that have carried the Three Lions through the challenges of Mexico City's altitude and Miami's punishing heat.
History has often seen one exceptional player take control of a World Cup.
Diego Maradona inspired Argentina in 1986, Ronaldo led Brazil to redemption in 2002, and Lionel Messi finally lifted the trophy in 2022.
While Bellingham is still some distance from joining that legendary company, his performances in the 2026 tournament are beginning to draw comparisons.
England's path only becomes tougher from here.
A semi-final against defending champions Argentina awaits, with either Spain or France potentially standing between Thomas Tuchel's side and a first World Cup title since 1966.
The 23-year-old has delivered when England have needed him most.
After scoring twice against Mexico in the round of 16, Bellingham repeated the feat against Norway in the quarter-finals, becoming the first player since Maradona in 1986 to score two or more goals in consecutive knockout matches at a single World Cup.
He is also the second-youngest player to achieve the milestone, behind only Pelé, who accomplished it at just 17 during Brazil's triumphant 1958 campaign.
His influence against Norway extended far beyond his two goals.
Bellingham led England in shots (five), touches inside the opposition penalty area (six), duels won (eight) and fouls earned (four), underlining his all-round dominance.
Bellingham has developed a reputation for producing decisive moments on football's biggest stages.
His unforgettable overhead kick against Slovakia at Euro 2024 rescued England deep into stoppage time before they went on to win in extra time.
Since then, he has overcome injuries and periods of uncertainty, even briefly falling out of Tuchel's plans before re-establishing himself as England's standout performer.
This World Cup has showcased him at his very best.
His tally now stands at 12 international goals, with nine coming at major tournaments. Five have given England the lead, while two have been crucial equalisers.
Only Gary Lineker, who scored six non-penalty goals at the 1986 World Cup, has managed more in a single tournament for England.
Adding to his versatility, Bellingham joins Erling Haaland as the only players at this World Cup to have scored with both feet and his head, highlighting the variety of his finishing.
Many World Cups are remembered for one player rising above everyone else.
Ronaldo's redemption story ended with Brazil lifting the trophy in 2002.
Messi finally completed his own footballing journey by leading Argentina to glory in Qatar four years ago.
Bellingham's mission is different but equally significant.
After starring in England's run to the Euro 2024 final before defeat to Spain, injuries disrupted his progress at Real Madrid and questions were raised over whether he should even start this tournament.
Tuchel ultimately trusted Bellingham's ability to perform in the biggest matches, and the midfielder has fully justified that faith with a series of commanding displays.
England's biggest test now comes against Argentina in a heavyweight semi-final.
Lionel Messi, still inspiring his country at 39 years old, has already scored eight goals in the tournament and remains the heartbeat of the defending champions.
England, however, believe they possess their own game-changing superstar.
The showdown between Messi and Bellingham promises to be one of the defining contests of the World Cup, with the winner moving one step closer to the final against either France or Spain.
If Bellingham can continue his remarkable run and guide England to the trophy, his performances at this World Cup could take their place alongside some of the greatest individual campaigns the tournament has ever witnessed.
