Jude Bellingham has opened up on why he gets emotional every time he sings the national anthem before England games.
The Real Madrid star, 22, shone in the Three Lions’ World Cup opener on Wednesday as they beat Croatia 4-2.
Bellingham scored a crucial goal at the start of the second half in what was his 49th cap for his country despite his tender age.
And, speaking ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Ghana, Bellingham explained how much playing for England means to him and also gave an insight into the moment before matches when he sings God Save The King and how it makes him feel.
‘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,’ he said.
‘I think about my grandad, who passed away just before my England debut. He was so patriotic.
Jude Bellingham has revealed why he gets emotional every time he sings God Save The King
Bellingham said he thinks about his late grandad and also the rest of his family (pictured with dad Mark (left), mum Denise (second right) and brother Jobe (right) in 2024)
‘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 (just before a match during the anthem).’
Bellingham added: ‘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 (who plays for Borussia Dortmund), have all been so important for me. My brother has been a constant crutch for me.’
This World Cup is the fourth major tournament Bellingham has represented England at and there have been several notable highlights along the way.
The midfielder is a leader in Thomas Tuchel’s squad in spite of his relative youth and in a separate interview with FIFA, he explained the responsibility he feels when he plays for his country.
‘When I cross the line, wear that badge on the front, wear the No 10 on the back of my shirt, I make sure I give everything that I have,’ he added.
‘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 or 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.’
England’s game against Ghana is in Boston, with the African nation having beaten Panama 1-0 in their first game courtesy of Caleb Yirenkyi’s 95th-minute winner.
After that, England face Panama in their final group game next Saturday evening.
