2026-07-17 09:35:07
Jude Bellingham has thanked fans for their “unbelievable” support following England’s World Cup exit.
The 23-year-old midfielder – who played a key role in the campaign, scoring six goals in seven games – admitted he had been at a loss to express his feelings following the 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday (15.07.26), but he’s shared a poem written by team driver Michael Chandler.
Sharing the four-page poem, The Lions Way, Jude wrote on Instagram: “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!”
Jude had previously admitted the lost had “hurt” but he had felt “privileged” to play against the legendary Lionel Messi.
Discussing an exchange between them, he said: “We were discussing a foul actually, but it was nothing bad at all.
“I’m sure everyone will do their thing and make it a big deal, but no, it was nothing big really.
“I thought it was a foul earlier and he said, ‘What about the one on me?’ And I was just saying, ‘You’re strong enough to take them’.
“It’s a privilege to play against him, it was nothing like that against him.
“Obviously I’m on the losing side, it hurts a lot but it’s a privilege to play against one of the best.”
The poem began with the verse: “A soul made strong, A soul assured.
“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.”
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