Jude Bellingham has implored England fans back home to keep the party going after they beat Mexico in the World Cup last 16, instructing them to keep drinks flowing and call out of work on Monday.
Bellingham's Post-Match Message
The Real Madrid midfielder scored twice as the Three Lions edged El Tri in a breathless encounter at the iconic Estadio Azteca. After a weather delay, the match did not get underway until 2am back in the UK, and pubs nationwide were granted special license to continue serving until 5am.
Fans nationwide stayed up into the small hours of Monday morning to take in a win which will go down in the history books as one of England’s greatest, and Bellingham said he hopes supporters make the most of the occasion.
Asked post-match to send them a message, he said: "Have another shot and text your bosses to say you're not coming in tomorrow. That's about it. My god, if you can't enjoy a night like this, just for one night, then I don't know what it's worth."
Dreams of Uniting the Nation
He went on: "I can imagine (celebrations in England are) carnage. No matter where you're from or what you do I can imagine everyone is together. That is the thing I dream of, being a part of this England squad, bringing my country together, giving them nights like this that they will enjoy for many years to come. I am so proud of this team. What we have done tonight is spectacular."
England will now face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals, with that match to take place in Miami on Saturday evening.
Keeping Feet on the Ground
Bellingham continued, calling for England to keep their feet on the ground after a big win in Mexico City. "It is still one game at a time. At the end of the day it is just a round of 16 win. The quarter-final Norway pose a different threat, some that we know really well, some world-class players in there, so we will have to be ready."
