Jude Bellingham’s late-game heroics in the 95th minute propelled England to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovakia in the Euro 2024 Round of 16, capturing the admiration of some of the biggest names in sports.
With the clock winding down and England trailing, Bellingham executed a stunning bicycle kick that sent the ball flying into the corner of the net, catching Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka off-guard as he moved in the opposite direction.
This crucial equalizer shifted the momentum in England’s favor, setting the stage for Harry Kane’s decisive header in the first minute of extra time, which ultimately sealed the win for the English team.
The spectacular nature of Bellingham’s goal drew widespread acclaim from sports luminaries including Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Joel Embiid, and J.J. Watt, all of whom took to social media to express their awe and congratulate Bellingham and Kane on their memorable performances.
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In his post-match interview, Harry Kane lauded his teammate’s effort and skill. “That’s what Jude does. It was an unbelievable goal. One of the best in our country’s history I reckon. What a player he is. He works so hard for the team. There has been a lot of talk about him the last couple of days and it shows what he can do. In big moments he steps up, and that’s what we needed,” Kane said, highlighting Bellingham’s impact and resilience.
Despite entering the tournament as one of the favorites, England had experienced a less than stellar run up to this point.
The team topped Group C with a record of 1-2-0, managing only two goals across three matches. The squad had endured a goal drought of 257 minutes before Bellingham’s spectacular bicycle kick, with their previous goal scored by Kane in the 18th minute of a 1-1 draw against Denmark on June 18.
However, England’s defensive performance has been a strong point throughout the tournament. They have conceded only two goals in four matches, a record matched only by Spain, France, and Belgium, all of whom have yet to play in the knockout rounds.
Looking ahead, England is set to face Switzerland in the quarterfinals.
The Swiss team advanced after defeating Italy in their Round of 16 match. The upcoming game marks the first encounter between England and Switzerland since a friendly in March 2022, which England won 2-1.
This match will be a critical test for England as they continue their pursuit of European glory, buoyed by the rising star of Jude Bellingham and the seasoned leadership of Harry Kane.
