Jude Bellingham had just watched Argentina snatch England’s World Cup dream in Atlanta. The 23-year-old Real Madrid star, who had scored six goals in the tournament – including a double to drag the Three Lions past Norway in the quarter-finals – was visibly emotional at full time. But within days, he shared a handwritten poem from the team driver, Michael Chandler, on Instagram, along with a defiant message: “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!”
The letter, titled ‘The Lion’s Way’, speaks of holding your stand through sleepless nights. Bellingham captioned it: “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.”
“Bellingham shares defiant letter after World Cup loss, as new footage shows him slapping Argentina's Barco.”
Yet the same match also spawned an ugly flashpoint: new footage emerged showing Bellingham slapping Argentina substitute Valentin Barco on the back of the head after the final whistle. The incident, caught on camera, suggested a reason for the confrontation – though Bellingham’s public focus remained on unity.
England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon in the semi-final on Wednesday 15 July, only for a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina to score twice late on and end hopes of a first men’s final since 1966. Manager Thomas Tuchel, who came under fire for his tactical decisions and substitutions after the lead, defended himself by saying ball possession was “maybe not in our DNA like it is in our Spanish DNA or in our Argentinian-Brazilian DNA”. The FA has confirmed Tuchel will remain in charge for the 2028 Euros, hosted by the UK and Ireland.
Bellingham, serenaded by England fans with the Beatles anthem ‘Hey Jude’, later said he was “really gutted”. But in his letter he urged supporters to carry the spirit forward: “Thank you for the unbelievable support from back home… And we will!”
