Jude Bellingham has shared a handwritten letter featuring a poem after England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday (July 15). The 2-1 loss extended England's wait for silverware past 60 years. Despite taking the lead through an Anthony Gordon goal, England conceded two late goals to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina.
Bellingham's Tournament Performance
Bellingham has been one of the stars of the tournament, scoring six goals, including a double to carry England past Norway in the quarter-finals. However, he faced criticism after the semi-final, appearing to slap an Argentinian player after the final whistle.
The Real Madrid star was one of the few England players to speak to the media after the game, saying he was 'really gutted' about the result. He has now shared a touching letter personally handwritten by the England team driver, Michael Chandler, in Kansas on Instagram.
Social Media Post
Posting on Friday morning (July 17), former Birmingham City and Borussia Dortmund ace Bellingham 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 Poem: 'The Lion's Way'
The letter features a poem titled ‘The Lion’s Way’, which talks about England’s World Cup journey. The poem reflects on themes of self-mastery, endurance, and unity, concluding that the truest victory is inner strength rather than external glory.
Bellingham’s performances have earned him adulation from England fans, who have serenaded the 23-year-old from Stourbridge with renditions of Beatles anthem ‘Hey Jude’. After the semi-final, Bellingham said he was ‘really gutted’ about the result.
Tuchel's Future
The FA has confirmed it is sticking with Thomas Tuchel as head coach for the Euros in 2028, which are 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 defending his decision, Tuchel 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.”
Full Poem Text
You can read ‘The Lion’s Way’ poem in full below:
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 therefore earned a greater name
Than those who merely play the game
The whistle blew
The contest done
Three Lions' work had been won
Victory now was the score
Lifting gold evermore
But greatest triumph, clear to see
Was quiet self mastery.
For trophies tarnish
And crowds grow still
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
Carry calmly every load
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.
