‘Believe’ - Jude Bellingham channels his inner Ted Lasso after firing England into 2026 World Cup semi-final showdown with Lionel Messi & Argentina
Jude Bellingham scored twice to lead England to a 2-1 victory over Norway in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. The team will now face Argentina in the semi-finals, with manager Thomas Tuchel calling for improved technical performance despite the win.
Why it matters
The World Cup is a major global sporting event, and England's progression is a significant development in international football.
Jude Bellingham has invoked the spirit of Ted Lasso after carrying England into the final four of the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid superstar was once again the hero, netting a brace to secure a gritty 2-1 quarter-final victory over Norway and set up a mouth-watering clash against Argentina.
Bellingham took to Instagram after the game and appeared to channel his inner Ted Lasso with a post to his followers. The Real Madrid star included the "Believe" motto Lasso is known for on the hit TV show as manager of fictional team AFC Richmond, though it is not clear whether that was his intention.
He wrote: "Live to fight another day.🦁 Semi’s next. Believe!"
England boss Thomas Tuchel has sent a clear message to his England squad following their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway, insisting that while he is proud of their spirit, the technical level must improve.
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