Jude Bellingham has shared a handwritten letter featuring a poem after England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina. The 23-year-old, who scored six goals in the tournament, posted the note from the England team driver, Michael Chandler, on Instagram on Friday morning. “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,” Bellingham wrote. “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, titled ‘The Lion’s Way’, speaks of England’s journey.
England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon but conceded two late goals to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, prolonging England’s wait for silverware past 60 years. Bellingham was at the centre of criticism after appearing to slap an Argentinian player at the final whistle, but he was one of the few England players to speak to the media, saying he was “really gutted”.
“Bellingham shares poem after defeat as 12 die in Bangladesh celebrations and Argentine fans trash a school.”
While English fans drowned their sorrows, celebrations in Bangladesh and Argentina turned violent. Bangladesh, a nation of 170 million that did not qualify for the World Cup, is home to some of the most fervent Argentina supporters. Thousands gathered in Dhaka to watch Argentina’s 2‑1 win on giant screens. The passion has also led to bloodshed: at least 12 people have died in World Cup‑related violence. Md Shariful Islam, 38, was killed after an altercation over Lionel Messi’s missed penalty during Argentina’s match against Egypt. Fayaz Tajrian died in a motorcycle crash on his way to watch that game, and Mostafa Kazi was hacked to death in Narail after a football‑related dispute. Mahidul Islam was killed when a goalpost collapsed.
In Argentina, mindless fans trashed and set fire to a historic school in Merlo, Buenos Aires, as they celebrated the semi‑final victory. Primary School No. 1, founded in 1862, was vandalised, looted and set on fire. The neighbouring Secondary School No. 25 was also targeted. Witnesses said vandals scaled the walls and made a hole in the roof. “The children don’t have classes, and the teachers have to spend their time cleaning,” said Johana, a mother of two pupils. “These aren’t celebrations any more – this is vandalism. They’re criminals.” The schools had been planning end‑of‑term celebrations, now uncertain.
Meanwhile, the FA has confirmed it is sticking with Thomas Tuchel as head coach for the 2028 Euros, hosted by the UK and Ireland. Tuchel’s tactical decisions after England took the lead came under fire from pundits and fans. Defending his choices, 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.”
