Bellingham: England will achieve big things, thanks fans after World Cup exit

The 23-year-old has been one of the stars of the tournament, scoring six goals for the Three Lions

By Ethan Davies 05:34, 17 Jul 2026 | Updated 05:38, 17 Jul 2026

Jude Bellingham has shared a touching letter with a defiant message to England fans after the Three Lions' heartbreaking World Cup semi-final defeat.

Thomas Tuchel's team fell to Argentina on Wednesday (July 15) night. After taking the lead with an Anthony Gordon goal, England conceded two late goals to a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina, ending hopes of a first men's final since 1966.

Bellingham has been one of the stars of the tournament, scoring six goals, including a double to carry the team past Norway in the quarter-finals last weekend. He was visibly emotional at full time in the Atlanta semi-final, but did speak publicly in the aftermath of the crushing loss.

He has now shared a touching letter personally handwritten by the England team driver, Michael Chandler, in Kansas on Instagram. He captioned his photos of the letter with a defiant message to England fans, restating his belief the team "can achieve big things," before adding: "And we will!"

Posting on Friday morning (July 17), the Real Madrid star 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.

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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.

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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 features a poem titled 'The Lion's Way', which reflects on England's World Cup journey.

Bellingham's performances have earned him adulation from England fans, who have serenaded the 23-year-old from Stourbridge with renditions of the Beatles anthem 'Hey Jude'. After the semi-final, Bellingham said he was "really gutted" about the result.

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 is 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."

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...