Jude Bellingham shares emotional letter to England fans as he speaks out on World Cup exit

It’s been two nights and we’re still not quite over England’s exit from the World Cup.

Wednesday’s (15 July) loss to Argentina at the Atlanta Stadium saw the Three Lions bow out of the tournament at the semi-finals, having put up a decent fight.

And while the blame game quickly began, plenty of us were sad looking at the lads be, well, sad on the pitch as the opponents celebrated around them.

Amid FIFA investigating the Argentina squad displaying a controversial Falklands banner, England players have started posting on social media, reflecting on the loss and their World Cup journey with captain Harry Kane thanking fans.

Jude Bellingham also posted earlier this morning, sharing an emotional letter penned by the team’s driver in Kansas, Michael Chandler.

'Don’t let the unity and love we’ve seen in our country end with this campaign'

“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,” the goal-scorer wrote on Instagram.

Bellingham’s fame has only gone on to reach new heights during the World Cup, with football fans from beyond England joining in with renditions of ‘Hey Jude’ in the streets and stands.

Alongside an image of him looking defeated and gutted on the pitch, he continued in the caption: “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!”

This was followed by pages of a poem penned by Chandler.

Letter shared by Bellingham in full

“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 favours 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.

“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 noble 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 favours 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.”