Jude Bellingham couldn’t hide his anger after England’s dramatic defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024.
The Three Lions suffered another painful defeat in the final match of the European Championship after Mikel Oyarzabal scored in the 86th minute to secure a 2-1 victory for Spain.
At the final whistle, all the England players looked distraught, but the Real Madrid midfielder in particular.
He stormed off the pitch and kicked a cool box in frustration. He could be seen sitting on the England bench, looking out at the pitch and seeming to be in a very pensive mood.
Bellingham eventually returned to the field, where he was comforted by England captain Harry Kane and manager Gareth Southgate.
Jude Bellingham kicked a cool box in frustration after England’s defeat to Spain
An angry Bellingham looked pensive on the bench as the Spanish players celebrated on the pitch
He returned to the field where he was comforted by Harry Kane and Gareth Southgate
England again fell short against superior Spain in the European Championship final
Bellingham, like many other losing players in the final, quickly removed his medal after the presentation
Bellingham had calmed down somewhat as the medals were handed out, but he was clearly disappointed to have to walk past the 2024 European Championship trophy. Like many players from losing teams in finals, he quickly took his medal away.
After the match, Bellingham described the defeat as “brutal” and “heartbreaking”
“To lose like that is really brutal,” he told reporters. “Again, we probably didn’t play our best game, but there were definitely some good moments and we felt like we were getting back into the game, and then to get a bit of a blow with that late goal… it’s heartbreaking.
‘We all wanted nothing more than to make history and make the people of England proud, but we never managed to do that. We didn’t deliver.’
The 21-year-old played a part in England’s equaliser after Nico Williams had put Spain ahead.
Bukayo Saka found the midfielder, who despite his poor balance was able to lay the ball back to Cole Palmer, who scored a superb equaliser.
Bellingham was also a key reason England reached the final, with his stunning bicycle kick keeping the last 16 alive against Slovakia, forcing extra time in the dying minutes of the game.
His manager Southgate said after the match: “I think they were the best team in the tournament. We didn’t keep the ball well enough but we were there until the end. I’m devastated for everyone, the players have been unbelievable, I’m so proud.
‘We had a bit of momentum. Big chance to equalize at the end, but I’m not sure we did enough.’