Nice one, son
Tot born after Bellingham wonder goal is named Jude
I went into labour... & I couldn’t believe it when Jude scored
MUM TARA ON THE TIMING OF HER SON’S ARRIVAL
JUST 20 minutes after Jude Bellingham scored his stunning bicycle kick against Slovakia, another Jude stole his thunder.
Born at 7.54pm on Sunday – after Bellingham’s equaliser and before Harry Kane’s winner – the 8lb tot was immediately named Jude in honour of England’s Euro 2024 saviour.
And his nurse mum, Tara Leyland, 31, has already hailed him the “next Jude Bellingham”, believing he is destined to become a top footballer.
Tara, who gave birth to Jude Thomas Brown at the Royal Preston Hospital, said: “We always loved the name Jude, but we wanted to wait until he was born to decide.
“I went into labour and started having contractions as the game was starting. I couldn’t believe it when Jude Bellingham scored just before our Jude was born.
“We knew Jude would go on to play football when he had a powerful kick in the womb – he was always kicking me!”
Jude’s dad, Alan, 48, a custodial manager, kept an eye on the match as Tara’s labour progressed and shared the news of England’s dramatic equaliser.
“Alan was next to me when he scored and he said, ‘You’ll never guess who has just scored’,” Tara said.
“When he said it was Jude Bellingham, I couldn’t believe it. It was so strange, as we had always considered that name and it felt like a sign. I believe in fate and I knew England were going to win after that.” She added: “It was so exciting telling people our baby’s name.”
Tara has forgiven Alan – a massive Liverpool fan – for insisting that he carry on watching the game on his phone.
She said: “Alan loves football – I said, ‘I hope he doesn’t come out during the actual game.”
And she now believes all the stars are aligned for Jude, her first baby, to follow in the footsteps of his famous namesake, 21.
It is in his genes, she hopes, as the eldest of Alan’s three kids from a previous relationship is very sporty.
Tara said: “Josh, 18 – his eldest – loves football and plays for Ashton Town FC in Wigan every weekend.
“Alan also loves watching football. He played for Knutsford from the age of 18 and went on to play for Egerton Football Club – so there’s no doubt Jude will go on to play.
“We’ve already got him his own kit, so he’s going to be England’s youngest supporter on Saturday!”
And there will be one name on all of their lips when they cheer on England against Switzerland… “Jude, of course!” Tara said. mirrornews@mirror.co.uk
@Callybrooksx