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'

By Ryan Walker 20:44 BST 30 Jun 2024, updated 21:53 BST 30 Jun 2024

20:44 BST 30 Jun 2024, updated 21:53 BST 30 Jun 2024 By Ryan Walker

• Jude Bellingham's stoppage time strike earned England extra time on Sunday
• Harry Kane scored the winning goal against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 clash
• LISTEN to It's All Kicking Off! EUROS DAILY: Rallying cry from England fans - why it's time to back Gareth Southgate 

Jude Bellingham believes England are 'showing the character they have missed before' after his 95th-minute goal against Slovakia rescued their Euro 2024 hopes.

The Three Lions went on to win 2-1 in extra-time as captain Harry Kane doubled his side's lead at the start of extra time before holding out for the next 30 minutes.

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

England were just a minute away from an embarrassing tournament exit that would have gone some way to eclipsing their previous Euro 2016 departure against Iceland.

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

💪 "We showed the character that England has missed in times before"

🔊 Get the sound on to hear from Jude Bellingham after @England beat Slovakia in #Euro2024 @GabrielClarke05 pic.twitter.com/GJgCBogqcI

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 30, 2024

The Real Madrid superstar - like the majority of his England colleagues - had suffered a frustrating performance in Gelsenkirchen prior to scoring and explained his relief after the match.

Read More

England's change in fortune was difficult to comprehend writes OLIVER HOLT. Gareth Southgate's side did not deserve a reprieve but in Jude Bellingham they have star quality which cannot be extinguished

Bellingham was quick to hit out at critics who have commented on England's underwhelming performances at the European Championship and praised Gareth Southgate's squad for fighting until the end. 

'Good win, through to the next round and very happy. It's been tough the last week or so to try and keep the negative energy outside of the camp,' he told ITV. 

'I think today they would have been ready for us, I'm sure you have some questions scribbled down on that piece of the paper there. 

'We showed that kind of character that England has missed especially in the times of before, we showed it today and was really important for us to get through,' he added.

Analysing his goal, Bellingham cut a cool figure as he stressed the strike will count for nothing unless England go all the way and win the competition, but stressed he has the match-winning ability to deliver in the biggest moments.

He added: 'You try and find all different edges at this level of football because it's so difficult to score goals. Every team plays to defend and keep it zero so any chance you get to maximise a situation like a throw-in you have to take it and we did.

'Depends how we look in two weeks. If it [his goal] ends up being one that helps the team lift the cup then it is right up there. 

'I know what I can deliver in those moments regardless of what people say. I have done it this year for Madrid and done it with England before, I am just happy to help the team. 

'I think the performance was real good up until their goal and even after as we had massive control of the game, always threatening in the final third, maybe still lacking that touch to create big chances. It's going to be important for us going forward.'

Bellingham finished his post-match exchange by calmly claiming 'I do' when asked who writes the script for such nail-biting finishes to matches as England advance to the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.