Jude Bellingham has taken plenty of responsibility on his young shoulders.
For the first time in his fledgling - yet stellar - career it must have dawned on him last night that he can’t do it all on his own, all of the time. Plaudits, praise and rewards have piled up at the teenager’s door ever since he stepped through the doors of Birmingham City’s academy.
Youngest player to play for his beloved club, most expensive teenager in history, youngest player to captain Borussia Dortmund. He started in England’s engine-room last night, beating off established stars to make good his claim.
Bellingham had already backed it up by grabbing the Three Lions’ first goal at this World Cup, setting off the avalanche against Iran. Here he was at 19 years age - he doesn’t even celebrate his birthday for another seven months - begging for help. From anywhere.
He tried, but perhaps the size of the occasion got to him - perhaps his heavy work-load at Borussia Dortmund had overcome him - as boss Gareth Southgate admitted could happen last week.
During a morale-sapping opening 45 minutes Bellingham tried to be here, there and everywhere. He was one of few who looked even remotely bothered by the fact that if England could overcome this hurdle, they had guaranteed themselves a spot in the last 16.
The last thing any manager wants is to go into an international derby needing to win and yet victory would have secured qualification. However, apart from one or two others, Bellingham was on his own.
Harry Kane ambled about like he was half-fit - he probably is - Mason Mount was anonymous - the two full-backs offered nothing going forward. Neither Raheem Sterling nor Bukayo Saka gambled often enough or put themselves in positions where they could make a difference.
Bellingham ran forward, ran back, got a foot in here, got a foot in there. Most of his colleagues looked like they had entered the arena having done a double session.
I’m talking about training but it could have been drinking judging by the listless and half-hearted approach. The Americans were sharper, keener and far-better organised.
All the enthusiasm that followed the victory over Iran disappeared into the desert night air as England huffed and puffed their way around this magnificent setting at the Al Bayt Stadium.
As it was, head coach Gareth Southgate finally pulled the plug on Bellingham just after the hour. He came off, mopping his brow.
He wasn’t the worst out there, but neither was he at his best. It’s been a rocket-like rise to the summit. Maybe it’s time for him to be allowed to enjoy the view.
Just for a little while, at least.
