Jude Bellingham hailed the “constant support” of parents Mark and Denise throughout England’s World Cup journey, with his mother’s intervention proving crucial in ensuring he did not miss out on a semi-final tie after being a booking away from suspension.
The Real Madrid star started England’s quarter-final victory over Norway with a yellow card, and if booked, would have been forced to miss out on the clash with Argentina. But following their progression to the last four without Bellingham being disciplined, he revealed his mother “hammered” him about his behaviour all week.
“My mum told me all week to watch my language, my tackles, my emotions, and my reactions.
She drilled it into me, and thankfully I managed to get through the game,” he told reporters. Bellingham went on to laud the referee for his willingness to allow communication with the players throughout.
His father, Mark, who enjoyed a prolific non-league career as well as serving as a police sergeant, is widely considered by his son to be his first football hero and coach.
Denise has managed many of the midfielder’s off-pitch affairs ever since he rose through Birmingham City’s academy and eventually moved to German and Spanish giants Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, respectively.
