Jude Bellingham insists his X-rated celebration after England’s last-16 win wasn’t aimed at Slovakia’s bench but was an ‘inside joke with friends’ as Euro 2024 hopes are rescued

Jude Bellingham has spoken out after he was seen gesturing to the Slovakia bench in the aftermath of a goal deep into stoppage time to save England’s Euro 2024 hopes.

The 21-year-old was the hero for the Three Lions as he scored a stunning bicycle kick in the closing stages. The ball went through the crowded penalty area and passed the desperate Martin Dubravka.

Bellingham led wild celebrations as he was mobbed by his teammates who feared they would leave the tournament in embarrassing circumstances before his goal.

The midfielder appeared to shout ‘I am he’ during the celebration and also appeared to point towards the Slovakia bench as England recovered at the last minute.

In a viral social media post, Bellingham can be seen walking alongside England captain Harry Kane, who scored the winning goal at the start of extra time.

Bellingham was England’s saviour as his final bicycle kick sent the match into extra time

The brief interaction shows the leader of the Three Lions first bringing his hand to his mouth before moving it to his crotch and making a series of movements.

Bellingham stares in one direction as he continues the celebration as he walks across the Gelsenkirchen grass, but he has now confirmed his actions were aimed at the Slovakia dugout.

Bellingham clarified the situation after the win on social media: ‘An inside joke, a gesture to some close friends who were at the game.

‘Everything but respect for how that Slovakian team played tonight.’

The moment was a bizarre reaction from Bellingham, who has been praised for his maturity and composure among the England ranks despite being one of their youngest players.

After the match, he addressed critics who were underwhelmed by the performance of Gareth Southgate’s side at Euro 2024.

“Good win, through to the next round and very happy. It’s been difficult the last week or so to keep the negative energy out of the camp,” he told ITV.

Bellingham later praised England for fighting back in Gelsenkirchen and beating Slovakia

Meanwhile, there was nasty scenes during the final match, when Slovakia coach Francesco Calzona clashed with Bellingham midfielder Declan Rice right after England’s victory.

TV footage shows Calzona pushing Rice away after he approached referee Umut Meler after the final whistle.

The England star objected and was seen angrily gesticulating and shouting abuse at Calzona before being dragged away by Ivan Toney.

Rice was then spotted telling Slovak coaches and substitutes to ‘shut up’ as he was removed from the situation by Toney and Ezri Konsa.