Jude Bellingham praises England for showing ‘character they have missed’ as his goal rescues their Euro 2024 future against Slovakia… and hits out at critics for spreading ‘negative energy’

Jude Bellingham believes England ‘showed the character they have previously lacked’ after his 95th-minute goal against Slovakia saved their Euro 2024 hopes.

The Three Lions eventually won 2-1 in extra time, after captain Harry Kane doubled his team’s lead at the start of extra time and maintained it for the next 30 minutes.

It was the first time England had held the lead in a last-16 tie after Ivan Schranz fired Slovakia ahead on a breakaway attack in the 25th minute.

England were just a minute away from an embarrassing exit from the tournament, which could have easily surpassed their previous Euro 2016 elimination against Iceland.

On this occasion, Bellingham was England’s saviour as he manipulated his body to produce a stunning bicycle kick from a long throw-in that caught Slovakia’s defenders off guard.

Bellingham’s 95th-minute bicycle kick saved England’s Euro 2024 hopes

The Real Madrid superstar – like most of his English colleagues – had endured a frustrating match in Gelsenkirchen before scoring and expressed his relief after the game.

Bellingham immediately hit out at critics who had criticised England’s disappointing performance at the European Championship and praised Gareth Southgate’s side for fighting to the end.

“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.

“I think they would have been ready for us today. I’m sure you scribbled some questions on that piece of paper.

“We showed that kind of character that England especially lacked in the times of the past, we showed that today and it was very important for us to get through it,” he added.

When analyzing his goal, Bellingham appeared cool-headed. He stressed that the goal would mean nothing unless England go all out and win the competition. However, he also emphasized that he has the ability to score a decisive goal at the most important moments.

He added: “You try to find all the different sides at this level of football because it’s so difficult to score goals. Every team plays to defend and keep a clean sheet, so any opportunity you get to maximize a situation like a throw-in you have to take it and we did that.

Bellingham hits out at ‘negative energy’ spread by critics of Gareth Southgate’s selection (left)

Bellingham stressed his goal will mean nothing unless England go all the way to Euro 2024

‘Depends on what we look like in two weeks. If it [his goal] if it ends up being one that helps the team lift the cup, then it’s right there.

‘I know what I can deliver in those moments, regardless of what people say. I’ve done it for Madrid this year and previously with England, I’m just happy to be able to help the team.

‘I think the performance up until their goal was very good and even after that, because we were in huge control of the game, always threatening in the final third, maybe still not having the touch to create big chances. That will be important for us in the future.’

Bellingham ended his post-match conversation by calmly saying ‘yes’ when asked who writes the script for such exciting final stages of matches that see England progress to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.