Bellingham promises England can achieve ‘big things’ after WCup exit
· Yahoo Sports
Jude Bellingham is certain England will “achieve big things” if everyone sticks together as the star called for ongoing unity following the devastating World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina.
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The inquest is well underway into Wednesday’s heartbreaking 2-1 collapse in Atlanta, where Anthony Gordon’s strike had Thomas Tuchel’s men on the brink of a place in Sunday’s showpiece against Spain.
But England fell into all too familiar patterns as the manager’s defence-minded approach only benefited reigning champions Argentina, costing them a place in a first men’s World Cup final since triumphing in 1966.
Bellingham has shone with six goals and four man of the match awards this summer and admits he was “struggling to find the right words” until reading an emotional poem by team driver Michael Chandler.
The 23-year-old shared the handwritten four-page ode to England’s summer on an Instagram post that saw the midfielder vow to keep fighting for glory after another near miss.
“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,” Bellingham said.
“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!”
Bellingham and Co are now preparing for Saturday’s unwanted third-place play-off against France in Miami, a week on from winning their quarter-final clash against Norway at the Hard Rock Stadium.
The Real Madrid midfielder’s availability for the bronze-medal match could be upon impacted if FIFA charge him with violent conduct for slapping Argentina’s Valentin Barco on the back of the head after the semi-final.
The Press Association has contacted football’s world governing body for an update on the matter.
Versatile defender Jarell Quansah will be available this weekend for the first time since his sending off in the last-16 win against Mexico after FIFA dished out a two-match suspension for serious foul play.
Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson will again be sidelined for the France clash after undergoing surgery on his left arm following a nasty fall during the Estadio Azteca celebrations.
The third-place play-off could provide Kobbie Mainoo, Trevoh Chalobah, James Trafford and Dean Henderson with their first minutes of the World Cup.
England strikers Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney, who made one late substitute appearance apiece, are others hoping to get a run out.
Ezri Konsa is among those to have featured in all seven World Cup matches and wants to end their near seven-week journey on a high by beating France.
“Devastated that it wasn’t meant to be,” the England defender posted on Instagram. “This result hurts a lot now but I’m proud to be part of a great group that gave everything.
“This is how football can go, we’ll be back again England. Let’s finish positively and all together as one in Miami. Your support has never gone unnoticed.”