After England’s dramatic win against Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024, Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham responded to England’s critics by saying it’s “nice when you can deliver and give them a little bit back.” England have been criticized for their performance throughout the tournament, beating Serbia 1-0, drawing 1-1 with Denmark, and being held goalless by Slovenia prior, but finished top of their group to progress through to the knockout stages.
Despite enjoying playing for his country, Bellingham admitted it also comes with a lot of pressure but was pleased to contribute to England’s quarter-final spot by scoring a spectacular overhead kick in the 95th minute to equalise before they went on to win in extra time. “For me, football, being on the pitch, scoring goals and celebrating is my release. Maybe it was a message to a few people. I was very happy at the end, lots of adrenaline,” he said.
Bellingham also marked his goal with his trademark open-armed celebration and appeared to call out to someone with the words, “Who else?” However, he played down the crotch-grabbing gesture he made after the game, citing it as an “inside-joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game” and wanted to show “nothing but respect” towards the defeated Slovakian team.
According to BBC Sport’s football news reporter Alex Howell, Bellingham is no different from other elite athletes who use external issues or ideas to motivate them to perform to their best. During the interview after the match, he quoted part of a speech by Theodore Roosevelt, which emphasizes how the person performing should receive the credit and not those who criticize the performance.
Former England internationals turned pundits Gary Neville and Roy Keane aired their views on England’s performance against Slovakia. Neville believed that England gave him “Iceland vibes” before they avoided an exit while Keane praised the team for finding a way to win in the end.
Through all the criticism and scrutiny, Bellingham had one message to deliver, “In one kick of the ball, everything can change.
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