Jude Bellingham scored two first-half goals as England beat Mexico 3-2 at the Estadio Azteca on Monday, firing Thomas Tuchel’s side into the quarter-finals of the World Cup
Jude Bellingham insists England’s desire to make the country proud is fuelling their World Cup dream. Thomas Tuchel’s two-goal attacking midfielder, who has been one of the stars of the tournament, came up trumps again in Mexico and his brace has the entire nation dreaming.
Bellingham can really sense their unity and togetherness, explaining: “No, I’ve never been prouder, never been prouder of a group of lads, a squad or a nation. It was a country’s performance, everything I’ve seen this week is that the country is behind us.
“All we’ve talked about this week is how difficult it was going to be in an unbelievable atmosphere against a very, very good team so to get this win, it’s the best night of my England career for sure.”
An hour-long storm delay meant fans back home had to call on more drinks to push through the tiredness. Bellingham was just glad he could repay their faith and now he feels supporters have earned the right to enjoy a rest following yet another rollercoaster ride – this time at the historic Azteca.
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He continued: “Text your bosses and tell them you’re not going in. Simple as that.
“I’ve been an England fan since I was seven years old, the 2010 World Cup was my first World Cup and in recent times we’ve had better moments but I remember watching a few tournaments and some of the players that are now on TV talking about it, and they struggled in these kinds of nights because we never really got behind them.
“There wasn’t much reason to and to be a part of an England team that gives so much to the country and nights like this, it means just as anything in my career and in my life. There will be videos galore when I go back to the changing room and check my phone.
“Kids stay off school, parents don’t go to work and enjoy the day. Go down the pub with your friends again because these nights don’t come around often.”
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The Real Madrid maestro, still only 23, is embracing his role an integral leader under Tuchel. Only Harry Kane (six), Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi (seven) have struck more times at this World Cup.
Now he wants his team-mates – outside of Kane – to follow suit, explaining: “I’m aware of the responsibility and pressure that I carry with the other players. Each player has a different responsibility within their roles but I know what I can offer on the pitch.
“I know what I can offer to the team but make no mistake, we’ve got 26 lads there who could do exactly what I just did tonight. I’m convinced of this, I hope a night like this can give them the conviction.
“We’ve got top players in there, we shouldn’t wait 40 or 50 minutes to realise that we’re a very good team. I hope this team instills this belief in the squad because they deserve to feel that way about themselves.”
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