Jude Bellingham expressed satisfaction in “giving something back” as he addressed critics of England following their thrilling victory against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 round of 16.
Bellingham’s sensational overhead kick in the 95th minute leveled the score before England triumphed 2-1 in extra time, setting up a quarter-final clash against Switzerland on Saturday.
“Playing for England is an enjoyable feeling but it’s also a lot of pressure,” said the Real Madrid midfielder.
“You hear people talk a lot of rubbish. It’s nice when you can deliver and give them a little bit back.”
England progressed through to the knockout stages by finishing top of their group but have been criticised for the manner of their performances.
They beat Serbia 1-0, drew 1-1 with Denmark and were held to a goalless draw by Slovenia prior to the last-16 tie.
England went behind against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen before Bellingham’s dramatic goal and Harry Kane’s winner sent them through.
“It’s very difficult when you talk in press conferences and interviews to talk as openly as footballers want to because they’re always judged,” added Bellingham, who marked his goal with his trademark open-armed celebration and appeared to mouth, ‘Who else?’
“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.
“It’s a feeling that is like no other. In international football, in knockout football, it’s even a worse feeling, because you’re 30 seconds from going home.
“Having to listen to all the rubbish, feeling like you have let a nation of people down. In one kick of the ball, everything can change.”
Earlier in the tournament, Kane had called on former England internationals who were now pundits to “remember what it’s like to wear the shirt” before being critical of the current side.
“You know what I mean by the rubbish,” said Bellingham.
“People talk a lot. You do have to take it personally a little bit. We work so hard at this game.
“We come in every day, we work hard to put on a performance for the fans, sometimes it doesn’t go well and sometimes it feels like there’s a bit of a pile on, it’s not nice to hear.
“But you can always use it and for moments like that, it’s nice to throw it back to some people.”
Following the match, Bellingham was seen making a crotch-grabbing gesture which he denied was aimed at England’s beaten opponents.
“An inside-joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game,” Bellingham posted on social media.
“Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
Asked after the Slovakia game about who writes his scripts, Bellingham replied: “I do.”
‘No-one wants you to lose’ – pundits respond
ITV pundit Gary Neville, who served as assistant to England manager Roy Hodgson during the team’s surprising defeat by Iceland in the Euro 2016 round of 16, remarked that England’s performance against Slovakia reminded him of that fateful match.
Neville mentioned experiencing “Iceland vibes” during the game, but Gareth Southgate’s team managed to avoid a similar fate and progressed to the next stage.
“The players are starting to sound like those of the past, referring to outside criticism,” said Neville following the match.
“Lads, get your innocence back, get your love for tournament football back. No-one wants to lose here, everyone wants you to win.
“No-one has criticised them personally, no-one is questioning their character, no-one has said they’re not working hard – all we’ve said is they’re not playing football very well and there’s an imbalance in the team.
“It still needs sorting and it’s not like the criticism has been over the top in that respect.”
Speaking alongside Neville on ITV, former Republic of Ireland midfielder Roy Keane said: “You have to give them praise as we were really critical at half-time but they found a way to win. The top players found a moment.
“God help us if Bellingham starts playing well. They had two huge moments and they got themselves over the line. Credit where it’s due.”