Home Football SAME POSE AS KANE AND BELLINGHAM: Jude Bellingham, the last-minute hero for England, secured the decisive goal with a spectacular bicycle kick to clinch a 2-1 victory over Slovakia.

SAME POSE AS KANE AND BELLINGHAM: Jude Bellingham, the last-minute hero for England, secured the decisive goal with a spectacular bicycle kick to clinch a 2-1 victory over Slovakia.

Football — 07/01/2024

Jude Bellingham positioned himself as England’s potential hero in an adidas pre-tournament ad, and in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, he finally delivered.Image

To be honest, the Real Madrid midfielder had a frustrating game against Slovakia, often running into dead ends, losing possession, and showing visible frustration towards referee Umut Meler. His performance epitomized England’s overall struggle.

But when faced with a humiliating round-of-16 exit after Slovakia’s early goal, Bellingham seized a Marc Guéhi flick-on in stoppage time and executed a breathtaking overhead kick to salvage a 1-1 draw.Image

His late heroics were followed by Harry Kane’s decisive header in extra time, assisted by substitutes Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, and Ivan Toney, sealing a dramatic 2-1 victory.

England’s attacking quartet of Bellingham, Kane, Bukayo Saka, and Phil Foden had been lackluster until then. Bellingham’s moment of brilliance underscored why they were tipped as pre-tournament favorites: Gareth Southgate’s squad boasts numerous game-changers.Image

After scoring, Bellingham seemed to mouth, “Who else?” It was as if he had always known he would step up when it mattered.Image

Looking ahead to Saturday’s quarterfinal against Switzerland, England must build on this collective effort, relying on Bellingham’s inspired form to extend their Euro 2024 journey.