Bellingham equalised for England with a wonderful bicycle kick in Sunday’s last-16 clash against Slovakia.
Jude Bellingham was asked who writes his football scripts after the England midfielder scored a dramatic 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia.
The Three Lions booked their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a tense 2-1 victory over Slovakia and it was thanks, in part, to Bellingham’s stoppage-time heroics.
The 21-year-old, who hasn’t been at his sparkling best at this summer’s tournament, equalised for Gareth Southgate’s side before captain Harry Kane netted the winner.
Speaking in his post-match interview, a relieved Bellingham was asked about England’s efforts in Gelsenkirchen.
“I think the performance was really good until their goal and even after,” he said.
“We had massive control of the game, always threatening in the final third, maybe just lacking the final touch to create big chances. It’s going to be important for us going forward, definitely.”
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He added: “Look at who came on. We’ve won this game together. Not me, not Harry, not the individual moments. It’s the likes of Ivan Toney, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer – Bukayo Saka going to left-back. It’s the sacrifice you make for the team and that’s the energy we need to keep regardless of what goes on.”
Bellingham was then asked who writes his scripts as he wrapped up the interview. He responded: “I do.”
Jude Bellingham was asked who writes his football script. His response is an all timer 😤#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/2hRf7gsPLT
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 30, 2024
Gareth Southgate agreed with Bellingham’s statement. “He writes his own script,” the England manager said in his post-match press conference.
“The timing of his runs, it was a super bit of play in the buildup to the goal as well. I think all of our forward players looked really good. I am confident we will score goals.
“Playing against a back five, it is not easy to create chances and we did. I liked the fact we had to suffer without the ball because that is an area we have worked on a lot this week.”
Speaking in an interview with BBC, Southgate continued to heap praise on the Real Madrid midfielder, adding: “I had a funny feeling the game wasn’t dead and I know that sounds ridiculous. We were pushing and probing. Ultimately it is the one we have thrown in the box that got us the goal.
“With 15 minutes to go you wonder if he is out on his feet. Him and Harry Kane produce those moments and that is why you don’t makes changes when people are clamouring for more changes. We haven’t come to get to a quarter-final but to get through a night like tonight was fantastic character.”
