Jude Bellingham reveals why singing the national anthem for England at the 2026 World Cup is so special to him.
The 22 year old has been praised after speaking about his grandfather who passed away just before he made his senior England debut.
His comments were posted by the media as England prepare for the second match of the group stage against Ghana on Tuesday.
Jude Bellingham has revealed why singing the national anthem for England at the World Cup is so special to him.
“I think the anthem is the last chance you get to really be mindful of the people who have got you there and what it means to be from England.
“I think about my… pic.twitter.com/PTKAd9bBHK
— Telegraph Football (@TeleFootball) June 20, 2026
In an interview with FIFA, he said, as per the Telegraph: “When I cross the line, wear that badge on the front, wear the No10 on the back of my shirt, I make sure I give everything that I have.
“It’s every footballer’s dream to play at a World Cup and I’ve been fortunate enough to play in one already and now I’m back with the squad for the second one.
“My responsibility to my team and to my country is to give everything I have. It’s been a gradual process into being where I am with the England squad.
“I wore the captain’s armband for the first time in the friendlies which means I’m on a good path and I know I can contribute whether it be from the starting XI, from the bench, I understand other players deserve to play as well. But I think I’m more than ready to give the team minutes.
Volume UP 🔊🏴
A rousing rendition of the national anthem for @England! pic.twitter.com/2i9yCZIoF1
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 17, 2026
He said in another interview: “I think the anthem is the last chance you get to really be mindful of the people who have got you there and what it means to be from England.
“I think about my grandad, who passed away just before my England debut. He was so patriotic.
“He was an Englishman through and through. He could give you every fact about every war, every battle, every king, and every queen.
“I do think about my grandad when that moment’s coming.
“I also think about the rest of my family and the sacrifices they’ve made to get me to this stage.
“My mum, my dad and my brother, Jobe, have all been so important for me. My brother has been a constant crutch for me.”
“I think it’s always the players who are calmer, more relaxed who understand what they have to do and don’t get carried away with the atmosphere. They are normally the ones who normally seem to look a step above.”
What a moment! 😍
Jude Bellingham singing along to Wonderwall as the England fans serenade the team 🎵 pic.twitter.com/A1oPoiZ9BH
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 17, 2026
Here’s how fans reacted after Jude Bellingham reveals why singing national anthem for England at the World Cup is so special to him…
@JakeRWeston: I think Bellingham hits the nail on the head here. It’s not about the anthem – truth be told the anthem is shit. And patriotism isn’t about loving the royal family despite what some people on the right may claim – neither historically nor in today’s climate. Singing the national anthem is just a chance to show people sitting at home than you’re proud to represent them, you’re up for the occasion and you’re not embarrassed by your country and culture during a time when so many elites who supposedly represent us are.
@sooty19771: Your our Black Country boy Jude, and we are so proud of You 👊🏼
@FILTHYRICHMAGS1: Fuckin love Jude man. Proper englishman. 🏴🦁
@Thfcfreddy1: baffles me how some people dislike this bloke
@SJA_10z: Still find it hilarious there’s plenty of England fans who don’t rate him, top bloke, and an even better player
@ZK1919: Truly awesome lad… I don’t buy into all this performative bollocks and that he does it all for the cameras. He’s just a genuinely good guy with morals and passion for the game.
@breezy_345: I’ve been so pleasantly surprised at this World Cup how many players are allowing themselves to feel patriotic, I think it’s beautiful when people are proud where they come from.
@AFCBeef: Some people hate this guy for absolutely no reason. He’s our best player. Loves the country. What more do you want from him?
@ggdotcom6787: Some people will still shit on this bloke somehow btw 🤣 Some guy some player
@CyrilH44: I fucking love Jude Bellingham so much. That’s the future captain
@Charlie_Fry_: He just gets it. Don’t get how he gets so much hate for wanting to do well
@0try: Bellingham always provides interesting and thoughtful answers to the media 🏴✅
@markchoake: What your country should mean to you
@1895cg: Didn’t think I could love him any more
@carefreejake_: Get this man a World Cup medal, shortly followed by a knighthood.
@luke_1871: Kids great. No idea why he gets so much abuse 🏴
@FreedomMatty: I’ve been waiting to hear words like this from an England player for decades. I’ve not seen it since the era of Stuart Pearce, Terry Butcher etc. If you don’t feel deep pride and responsibility playing for your country, then you should stick to club football. Well done Jude!
@fut_trader_D: This is what I want to see from our players, what a boy. You’ll see a dozen posts like this from every other nation except England; for some bizarre reason it’s looked down upon to be proud and patriotic in this country 🙃 Wonder kid has all of my respect 🏴
