Jude Bellingham’s defiant message to England followers in full – ‘do not let the love finish’
Jude Bellingham has shared a touching letter with a defiant message to England fans after the Three Lions’ heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina
Bellingham was one of the few outstanding performers for England(Image: Richard Pelham, Getty Images)
One of the few players to come out of England’s World Cup semi-final defeat with some kind of pride has been Jude Bellingham. And now the Real Madrid star has shared a heartfelt letter with a defiant message to England supporters, including an iconic poem.
Thomas Tuchel’s side fell to Argentina on Wednesday night. After going ahead through an Anthony Gordon strike, England shipped two late goals to a Lionel Messi -inspired Argentina, crushing dreams of a first men’s final since 1966. Bellingham has been amongst the tournament’s standout performers, netting six goals, including a brace that propelled the team past Norway in the quarter-finals last weekend.
He was visibly distraught at the final whistle in Atlanta, but did address the media following the devastating defeat. He has now posted a heartwarming letter personally penned by the England team driver, Michael Chandler, in Kansas on Instagram, reports the Mirror.
‘Love yous’(Image: Robin Alam/ISI Photos, ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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He accompanied his photos of the letter with a defiant message to England supporters, reaffirming his conviction the squad ‘can achieve big things’, before adding: “And we will!”.
He said: “[I] 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!” The letter contains a poem entitled ‘The Lion’s Way’, which chronicles England’s World Cup campaign.
It was an emotional social media post
The FA has confirmed it will persist with Thomas Tuchel as manager for the Euros in 2028, which will be staged across the UK and Ireland. This comes despite Tuchel’s tactical choices and changes after England went ahead drawing criticism from pundits, former players, and supporters.
Defending his approach, Tuchel claimed England lacked the ‘DNA’ to preserve their advantage. 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.”
“The Lion’s Way” poem Bellingham posted in full:
The Lion’s Way.
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 perfect move.
One selfless pass.
One moment born from countless tasks.
The net gave way.
The crowd arose.
The thunder rolled through friend and foe.
The victory belongs to those.
Who rule themselves before the blows And thus they earned a greater name.
Than those who merely join the game.
The whistle sounded.
The contest ended.
Three Lions’ task had been splendidly attended.
Victory now was the tale of the score.
Raising gold forevermore.
But the greatest triumph, plain to see.
Was serene self mastery.
For trophies lose their shine.
And crowds eventually quieten.
Time itself outlives all talent.
But those who control both heart and mind.
Leave fear and doubt far behind.
So tread the Lion’s ancient path.
Carry calmly every burden.
Face each challenge firm and true.
Let discipline be your inner virtue.
For fortune does not favor the boisterous,
Nor always crowns the largest gathering.
She often walks alongside the one.
Whose toughest battle has been overcome.
Not on the pitch beneath the lights.
But deep within, through restless nights.
And when the final whistle rings.
And victory spreads its golden wings.
The most genuine roar will still be heard.
A soul made robust. A soul assured.
