Jude Bellingham becomes England's hometown hero

As England prepare for their World Cup semi-final against Argentina on Wednesday, one name is on everyone's lips: Jude Bellingham.

The midfielder helped the Three Lions reach the last four with his outstanding performances. Fans in stadiums across North America and in pubs across England sing the Beatles' song Hey Jude. Many also wear T-shirts carrying the slogan "Bend it like Bellingham", a reference to the film Bend It Like Beckham.

Bellingham, 23, is celebrated most in his hometown of Stourbridge, a market town west of Birmingham.

Retired resident Keith Hall stopped beside a mural of Bellingham and said the footballer had remained close to his roots despite playing for Real Madrid.

Bellingham started his football career with Stourbridge Juniors before joining Birmingham City's academy. He later became the club's youngest first-team player.

Sam Holden, 21, said Bellingham's rise had not surprised him. He said the midfielder had helped England reach a higher level, while captain Harry Kane remained an important player for the team.

West Midlands Railway is offering free travel in Stourbridge this week to passengers named Jude.

Company spokesman Jonny Wiseman said the railway looked forward to welcoming people named Jude for a free ride on the Stourbridge Shuttle.

Support for Bellingham has spread beyond the Black Country. A railway station in south-east London was briefly renamed Jude Bellingham station.

In the nearby village of Hagley, pub worker Vienna Letts said the community came together whenever Bellingham played for England.

She said few people had imagined that a boy from Stourbridge would become one of England's leading goalscorers and help the team reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Bellingham shares 6 goals with English captain Kane

Bellingham scored twice against Norway on Saturday. He now shares six tournament goals with England captain Harry Kane.

A shop in Stourbridge has displayed a portrait of Bellingham, while fans have greeted him with chants of "King Jude".

In Birmingham, a new mural shows Bellingham and teammate Morgan Rogers eating battered chips, a well-known local dish.

Teacher Harpreet Basin said Bellingham had become a role model for local children by showing that hard work could help people achieve their ambitions.

Jessica, who manages a tanning salon in Stourbridge, said chants of Hey Jude had become common across the town during the World Cup.

She said her children had learned the famous Beatles song after hearing it at England's matches.

Bellingham appeared emotional after England's victory over Norway. Former England captain David Beckham joined thousands of supporters in singing Hey Jude at Miami Stadium after the match.