Jude Bellingham shares a beautiful letter written by England’s coach driver, Michael Chandler, after their exit from the World Cup.
It includes a poem, titled ‘The Lions Way’, sharing a poignant message which the squad and the staff can take in as they deal with the heartbreak of missing out on a place in the final.
England had taken the lead through Anthony Gordon on 55 minutes, but Argentina hit back late on with two goals to book a place with Spain for a chance to lift the trophy, while England and France battle for a third place finish.
On the 76th minute, Argentina’s Mac Allister saw his header from De Paul’s cross come back off the post, then 10 minutes later, Enzo Fernandez produced a stunning leveller from distance.
Two minutes into the nine added on, Argentina completed the turnaround thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s header.
A day after the Three Lions’ exit, Jude posted via Instagram, and captioned his post: “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.
“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! ❤️🏴”
COACH DRIVER’S POEM IN FULL:
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 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 nobler 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 favors 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.
Tuchel, Kane, Bellingham, Guehi, Burn react after England lose WC semi final to Argentina
