Devastated England star shares bus driver’s touching letter
Jude Bellingham shared an emotional letter written by the team’s bus driver as the United Kingdom continues to point fingers over England’s semi-final exit at the World Cup.
As the British government urged FIFA to investigate Argentina after players celebrating their 2-1 win posed with a banner that claimed sovereignty over the contested Falkland Islands, Bellingham posted a letter drafted by bus driver Michael Chandler, urging the nation’s fans to remain united.
Jude Bellingham shared the touching letter. Nine/Getty
“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.
“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!”
Chandler’s letter/poem expressed deep gratitude for the privilege of driving the team, praising the squad for their character, humility, and the way they conducted themselves.
How it will play out it remains to be seen as England coach Thomas Tuchel faces increasing pressure to stay in the job.
During post-match celebrations in Atlanta, Argentina players held a banner handed over by fans, reading “Las Malvinas son Argentinas” — “The Malvinas are Argentine.”
Argentina refers to the Falkland Islands as Islas Malvinas.
They were invaded in 1982 under orders from Argentina’s then-military dictatorship, triggering a 10-week war won by Britain.
“The World Cup might not be ours, but the Falkland Islands definitely are,” a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
“Self-determination rests with the islanders and our commitment to the Falklands will never waver.”
When asked about the banner, defender Gonzalo Montiel claimed fans gave it to them: “They just threw one down from the stands and the boys grabbed it.”
Argentina’s players unfurl the banner which reads “las Malvinas son Argentinas” or “the Falklands are Argentine” in English. Getty Images
Argentinian journalist Nelson Castro added: “Someone threw it onto the field, and they gave it to the players.”
FIFA can prosecute Argentina’s players and football federation because its disciplinary code prohibits at stadiums any “message that is not appropriate for a sports event” including those of “a political, ideological, religious or offensive nature.”
Argentine President Javier Milei described the players’ celebration with the banner as “perfectly valid,” saying the message “reflects a sentiment shared by all Argentines.”
But he said he expected FIFA to sanction the team with a fine.
“What the players do is understandable; they get carried away by their emotions, they act on impulse, and that will likely lead to discussions about a fine,” Milei told a Buenos Aires radio station.
