Jude Bellingham has broken his silence on social media (Image: Getty)
Jude Bellingham has shared a touching letter with England fans after their heartbreaking loss to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.
The 23-year-old played a crucial role in England’s World Cup run, scoring six times as the men’s team made only its fourth-ever semi-final.
He has earned adulation from England fans, who have sung his name and serenaded the Real Madrid star with renditions of The Beatles’ ‘Hey Jude’ after wins.
He was at the centre of criticism after the game, appearing to make contact with Argentina’s Valentin Barco’s head as they celebrated.
Now, he has taken to Instagram to share a touching letter he received from the Three Lions’ bus driver, which he wanted to pass on to fans.
He wrote: “Was really struggling to find the right words for yesterday and the last few weeks, but this pretty much hits the nail on the head from our driver in Kansas.
“Thank you for the unbelievable support from back home and to those who spent their hard-earned money to travel to America and get behind us. Don’t let the unity and love we’ve seen in our country end with this campaign. When we’re together, we can achieve big things… And we will! Love yous!”
Bellingham was one of the few England aces to speak publicly after England’s 2-1 loss. He expressed heartbreak over the defeat, stating he “wanted to be part of the England team that has finally done it”.
The FA has confirmed it is sticking with Thomas Tuchel as head coach for the European Championships in 2028, which will be hosted by the UK and Ireland. That’s despite Tuchel’s tactical decisions and substitutions after England took the lead coming under fire from pundits, ex-players, and fans in the wake of England’s World Cup exit.
In defending his decision, the German suggested England did not have the ‘DNA’ to protect the lead. He said: “I think ball possession plays a crucial role; it’s maybe not in our DNA like it is in our Spanish DNA or in our Argentinian-Brazilian DNA, to take the ball and control the game with the ball.”
Read the letter in full below.
Two greats of the game, Messi and Bellingham battle it out (Image: Getty)
The Lion does not boast aloud,
Nor chase the praise of every crowd.
He knows the roar that shakes the night,
Is born when fear is met with might.
The match is not with foe alone,
The truest pitch is self unknown.
Before one pass is struck with grace,
The heart must first have won its race.
For strength is more than driving speed,
Or planting firmly every cleat.
It lives within the iron will,
To climb again the steeper hill.
The body tires. The lungs grow tight.
The legs grow heavy in the fight.
Yet steadfast minds refuse retreat,
They drag the weary to their feet.
Endurance is a faithful friend,
It walks beside you to the end.
While others yield to pain’s command,
It whispers low, “Hold your stand.”
The clever mind outplays the strong
Who rush with fury all day long.
A patient pass, a measured pace,
Will forever conquer reckless haste.
The hawk may see the pitch above,
The lion wins through steadfast love
Of every movement, every run
Where many minds become but one.
For tactics are not tricks concealed,
But wisdom sharpened on the field.
To know when pressing serves the day
And when restraint becomes the way.
The storm may rage. The crowd may cry.
The score may refuse the sky.
Yet none of these command the soul
Whose purpose governs every goal.
No referee can steal your choice.
No hostile song can drown your voice.
The world may shake, the night may burn
Your answer shapes the final turn.
England wore Three Lions bright,
Not chasing glory’s fleeting light.
They sought instead a nobler prize,
To master self before men’s eyes.
They trusted feet that years had trained
They trusted minds that calm had gained
They trusted hearts that would not bend
Though every minute neared the end
One moment born from countless tasks
The thunder rolled through friend and foe
The victory belongs to those
Who rule themselves before the blows
And therefore earned a greater name
Than those who merely play the game
Three Lions’ work had been won
Victory now was the score
But greatest triumph, clear to see
Time itself outlasts all the skill.
But those who govern both heart and mind
Leave fear and doubt far behind
So walk the Lion’s ancient road
Meet each trial firm and true
Let discipline be the strength in you
For fortune favors not the loud,
Nor always crowns the largest crowd.
She often walks beside the one
Whose hardest battle has been won
Not on the pitch beneath the lights
But deep within, through sleepless nights
And when the final whistle sings
And victory lifts its golden wings
The truest roar will still be heard
A soul made strong. A soul assured.