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‘Kids, skip school and parents, take the day off!’ – Jude Bellingham shares heartfelt message to England fans after scoring twice in thrilling World Cup victory over Mexico.

Jude Bellingham hailed England’s dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico as the proudest moment of his international career, urging supporters back home to take the day off from school and work to celebrate. The Real Madrid midfielder netted twice in a pulsating clash at the Azteca Stadium, helping Thomas Tuchel’s men overcome a red card to Jarell Quansah and secure their place in the quarter-finals.

A message to supporters back home

With the game wrapping up in the early hours of Monday morning for fans in the United Kingdom, Bellingham was quick to acknowledge their dedication. Jokingly, he suggested that such a monumental victory deserved a national break, encouraging everyone to soak in the joy of the moment.

“Text your bosses and tell them you’re not coming in, as simple as that,” said Bellingham. “I’ve been an England fan since I was seven years old. I remember the 2010 World Cup being my first, and while we’ve had better moments recently, I recall watching past tournaments where some of the players now on TV struggled on nights like these. Back then, it didn’t feel like we truly got behind them because there wasn’t much reason to. To now be part of an England team that gives so much to the nation and brings nights like this—it means as much to me as anything in my career or life. So yes, kids stay off school, parents don’t go to work, enjoy the day. Be with your friends, head down to the pub if you can, and celebrate because nights like these don’t come often.”

Bellingham leads the Three Lions at the Azteca

Despite a hostile crowd and a kickoff delayed by bad weather, Tuchel’s men showed remarkable grit to pull off a 3-2 triumph. Bellingham was at the heart of the performance—clinical in front of goal, tireless in energy, and inspirational as he guided a 10-man England through a tense final half-hour.

Reflecting on the magnitude of the result, Bellingham’s pride in the team’s collective effort was evident. “I’ve never been prouder of a group of lads, a squad, a nation,” he said. “It was a performance for the country. Everything this week has shown the nation’s support behind us. We knew it would be tough in an unbelievable atmosphere against a quality side. To get this win—it’s the best night of my England career so far, without a doubt.”

Overcoming challenges in Mexico City

England’s route to the quarter-finals was anything but straightforward. Following Quansah’s red card in the second half, the Three Lions had to defend their slender lead established by Bellingham’s brace, before Harry Kane added a crucial third in the 60th minute to ease the pressure. The win carried extra weight given Mexico’s formidable record—having lost only two of their previous 89 matches at the historic stadium, the same venue where Diego Maradona scored both his “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” against England in 1986.

Bellingham recognised the significance of the venue and the expectations placed on his generation. “I’m aware of the pressure that comes with this role, just like the others,” he said. “Each player has a different responsibility on the pitch, but I know what I bring to the team. We’ve got 26 lads capable of doing exactly what I did tonight, and I hope this win gives them the confidence to believe it too.”

Looking ahead to the Norway clash

The victory now sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final against Norway in Miami this Saturday. Bellingham believes that the way the team defended deep with 10 men and took their chances clinically will serve as a turning point in their belief as they progress further in the tournament.

“We shouldn’t fear anyone, nor wait 40, 50, or 60 minutes to realise that we’re a very good team,” the midfielder added. “I hope this win instils that confidence across the squad because they truly deserve to feel that way about themselves.”