England’s dramatic victory over Slovakia in the Euro 2024 last-16 was sealed by a stunning last-gasp goal from Jude Bellingham.
With just minutes remaining, Bellingham’s brilliant bicycle kick rescued the Three Lions from the brink of elimination, forcing the match into extra time.
Harry Kane’s extra-time goal then secured England’s quarter-final spot, keeping their hopes of ending their long wait for a major trophy alive.
Bellingham, who had faced criticism along with his teammates for their underwhelming group stage performances, had a message for England’s detractors.
The 21-year-old Real Madrid star took to Instagram after the game, sharing a series of photos from the match followed by a quote from former president Theodore Roosevelt.
Jude Bellingham had a response for England’s critics following their thrilling win
Bellingham shared this quote from Theodore Roosevelt via Instagram
“It is not the critic who counts,” the quote read. “Not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.”
“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Bellingham also addressed the negativity surrounding the England team in his post-match press conference.
The midfielder’s 95th-minute bicycle kick saved England from defeat
“It’s a feeling like no other,” Bellingham said. “In international football, in knockout football, it’s an even worse feeling because you’re 30 seconds from going home, having to listen to all the criticism, feeling like you’ve let down an entire nation.”
“One kick of the ball can change everything,” he added. “It’s a feeling I don’t like to have, but when it happens, it feels great.”
Bellingham attributed his improved form to his time at Real Madrid, saying, “My game has improved a lot since joining them, and I’m grateful I could bring it to this game.”
When pressed on what he meant by “criticism,” Bellingham replied, “You know what I mean… Playing for England should be the proudest moment of your career, but it’s often quite difficult.”
“There’s intense pressure, and fans expect a lot regardless of past tournament performances,” he continued. “People talk a lot, and you have to take it personally a bit. We work hard, and it’s not nice to feel like there’s a pile-on after a poor performance.”
“But you can use it as motivation,” he concluded. “And it’s nice to throw it back at some people.”
Bellingham’s adrenaline-fueled celebration after his late equalizer included the words, “Who else? Who else?”
“Adrenaline gets you,” he explained. “It’s a combination of a lot of things. Playing for England is enjoyable, but it comes with a lot of pressure.”
“It’s hard to speak openly in interviews because footballers are always judged,” he added. “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, and there was a lot of adrenaline.”