JUDE Bellingham’s rapid rise to international football has been very well documented.

But what may not be quite so well known is that two of the midfielder’s first ever visits to Wembley were to watch Southend United.

Jude’s dad Mark is a passionate Shrimpers supporter and took his son along to watch Phil Brown’s side in the 2013 JPT Trophy final and the League Two play-off final success against Wycombe Wanderers two years later.

Jude also went to Cardiff to watch the LDV Vans Trophy finals against both Blackpool and Wrexham as well as the League Two final victory against Lincoln City in 2005.

Mark grew up in Essex and played for East Thurrock United in his own footballing career which saw him score more than 700 goals.

He remains a keen follower of Blues despite moving to the West Midlands where he is now a sergeant in the police force.

Jude shone with Birmingham City before making the switch to Borussia Dortmund last year.

His fine form has also seen him win two senior caps for England and, at 17 years of age, he is the youngest member of Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33 man squad for Euro 2020.