A local shop is getting behind hero Jude Bellingham ahead of tonight's Euro 2024 semi-final clash, with a special tribute.
The Sports Shop on Hagley Road, Stourbridge, has crafted a Jude Bellingham hoodie as a tribute to the star midfielder, who began his footballing career as a youngster at Stourbridge Football Club.
The design involves an incredible 50,000 stitches.
Staff at the business are nervously awaiting tonight's (Wednesday July 10) match which will see England go up against the Netherlands for a place in the Euro final.
All 34 employees are meeting up in a local pub and are hoping Jude will bring his magic to the pitch.
England's Jude Bellingham celebrates scoring (Image: Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
Co-owner Grant Walters said: “We are incredibly proud of Jude Bellingham’s achievements and the way he represents our community with his down-to-earth, genuine character.
"This tribute is our way of celebrating his success and showcasing the quality and precision of our embroidery services.
"Everyone in the area is proud of his achievement.
"Jude is brilliant.
"He is a credit to the country and to Stourbridge."
The embroidered design (Image: Handout)
Jude has strong ties to local clubs such as PS Olympic and Stourbridge FC, both customers of The Sports Shop.
The firm runs The Sports Shop, which also has a shop in Kingswinford, Totally Uniform, Custom Clothes, Threads Embroidery, and Fortnocks Health Club.
Grant's brother and co-owner of the business Greg Walters said: “Our entire team is united in supporting Jude and the England team in their upcoming fixtures.
"We hope our embroidered hoodies serve as a symbol of local pride and encouragement.
"Good luck, Jude – you’ve got this!”
Former Hagley schoolboy Jude scored the opening goal in England's first match against Serbia and scored the crucial stoppage-time equaliser in the game against Slovakia via an overhead kick that saved England's Euro 2024 campaign.
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