Jude Bellingham expressed satisfaction in silencing England’s critics following their dramatic 2-1 win against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 round of 16.
Bellingham’s stunning overhead kick in the 95th minute leveled the score, and England secured victory in extra time, setting up a quarter-final against Switzerland.
“Playing for England is exhilarating but pressured,” said Bellingham, a key player for Real Madrid. “There’s always a lot of talk, and it’s satisfying when we can deliver and respond.”
READ MORE: England fans attacked in Benidorm after singing ‘Ten German Bombers’ outside bar
England topped their group to advance but faced criticism for their performances, edging out Serbia 1-0, drawing 1-1 with Denmark, and having a goalless draw with Slovenia. In Gelsenkirchen, England fell behind before Bellingham’s dramatic goal and Harry Kane’s winner propelled them forward.
“It’s tough to speak openly in interviews because footballers are constantly judged,” Bellingham added. Celebrating his goal with his signature open-armed gesture, he appeared to mouth, “Who else?” “Football, scoring goals, and celebrating is my release. Maybe it was a message to a few people.”
Earlier in the tournament, Kane had urged former England players turned pundits to remember their own experiences before criticizing the current team. Bellingham echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the pressure and personal nature of criticism.
“We work incredibly hard every day to perform for the fans. Sometimes it doesn’t go as planned, and it feels like everyone’s piling on. It’s not pleasant, but moments like that allow us to give it back a little.”
Gary Neville, now an ITV pundit, had previously criticized England’s performance, drawing parallels to their shocking defeat by Iceland in Euro 2016. After the Slovakia match, Neville advised the team to recapture their passion for tournament football.
Roy Keane, also on ITV, praised England for their resilience. “We were critical at half-time, but they found a way to win. Top players made crucial moments happen. Bellingham stepping up is a game-changer. They had two key moments and pushed through.”
Bellingham’s equalizer was England’s first shot on target and marked their latest-ever goal in a major tournament, excluding extra time. This followed a stellar debut season at Real Madrid, where he scored 23 goals, provided 11 assists in 39 games, and was named La Liga’s player of the season.
Asked who scripts his performances, Bellingham confidently replied, “I do.”
After the match, Bellingham clarified that a crotch-grabbing gesture was an inside joke directed at friends, not Slovakia. “Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight,” he affirmed.
