Jude Bellingham saved England in their Euro 2024 win over Slovakia as the Real Madrid midfielder came up with an overhead kick to equalise in the fifth minute of added time
Jude Bellingham saved England at Euro 2024 and proclaimed “who else?” as he celebrated his equaliser.
The Real Madrid man, who by his own standards has had a poor tournament in Germany, spared the Three Lions against Slovakia as he scored five minutes into stoppage time. Bellingham notched an overhead kick to force extra-time and ran away celebrating.
As he stopped and was mobbed by his team-mates he could be seen speaking as his comments underlined his confidence. England, who were second best against the Slovakians for long periods, were able to score their winner in the opening minute of extra-time.
Bellingham had faced calls to be dropped, but the ex-Birmingham City star has continued to back himself and told ITV : “I know what I can deliver in those moments. Regardless of what people say, I’ve done it this year for Madrid, I’ve done it for England before. Just happy to help the team.”
The midfielder has just helped Real win the Champions League in his debut year with Los Blancos, which has led to some touting him as a potential Ballon d’Or winner. A Euros victory with England would further his case and Bellingham hoped greater highs were ahead after his goal.
He was quizzed on where he places his goal in moments of his career and replied: “Depends how we’re looking in two weeks. If it ends up being one that helps the team win the cup then it will be right up there.”
Bellingham also commented on how the negative feeling around the team has filtered into the group, but they’ve been determined to remain defiant. The country’s No 10 has hailed the character show by the team as they looked down and out until the final moments.
“A good win, through to the next round,” he said. “Very happy. It’s been tough the last week or so to keep the negative energy out of the camp. I think today they will have been ready for us. We showed the character that England’s missed. It’s very important to get through.”
England will now face Switzerland in the last eight as they desperately seek to find a performance level that has eluded them throughout the tournament thus far. The Swiss ended Italy hopes on Saturday and have been one of the more impressive outfits at the Euros.
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The Three Lions are among the favourites to win this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits before the first whistle.
