Bellingham magic saves England as he says wonder goal a 'message' to critics

The young star rescued England from humiliation with seconds to spare and says it’s a satisfying way to answer critics and “throw it back to some people”.

Just imagine if Gareth Southgate had gone through with the plan to bring off Jude Bellingham.

Imagine if Bellingham had been dropped completely from England’s starting line-up against Slovakia as Southgate faced calls to do.

What Bellingham produced – in a mesmerising moment of magic – is what Real Madrid fans have been cherishing all season.

And it is why Southgate trusted his judgement rather than the clamour for change – even resting Bellingham.

Just a day after his 21st birthday, the overhead kick was Bellingham’s own gift for the nation – saving the Euros campaign.

After watching from the substitute’s bench, Conor Gallagher said: “Buzzing like every single English fan. Incredible goal, incredible moment.”

Few moments in England’s history have been as dramatic as a 95th minute equaliser to keep the team in a tournament.

And thanks to Harry Kane’s header inside a minute of extra time it is on to the quarter-finals.

Bellingham rescued England with a sublime goal. Pic: Reuters

But had it not been for Bellingham’s brilliance they would have been packing their bags – and he felt the weight of responsibility as the ball came to him in the penalty area.

“You’re 30 seconds from going home, having to listen to all the rubbish, feeling like you’ve let a nation of people down,” Bellingham said.

“And in 30 seconds or in one kick of the ball everything can change. And it’s a feeling that I never want – I don’t like to be in – but when it’s done it feels great.

“So it’s a habit I’ve picked up from Madrid. Obviously my game’s improved a lot since I’ve joined, and I’m really grateful I could bring it to this game.”

Bellingham also scored in the opening match – sealing the 1-0 win over Serbia, also in Gelsenkirchen – while Kane netted England’s only goal in the 1-1 draw against Denmark.

With England held 0-0 by Slovenia in their final group game, their only goals have come from Bellingham and Kane.

It means no player from a Premier League club has, unusually, found the net for England; Kane is now with Bayern Munich and Bellingham with the newly-crowned Spanish and European champions.

‘You hear people talk a lot of rubbish’

Playing overseas has done nothing to remove the sense of expectation to end Three Lions’ wait for a first trophy since 1966 – or the clamour of the critics.

“Playing for England is an enjoyable feeling, but it’s also a lot of pressure,” Bellingham said.

“You hear people talk a lot of rubbish and it’s nice when you deliver. You can give them a little bit back.”

That explains why he appeared to bellow “Who else?” during his goal celebration.

“Scoring goals, celebrating is my release,” he said. “It was maybe a message to a few people.”

Source: https://news.sky.com/story/bellingham-magic-saves-england-as-he-says-wonder-goal-a-message-to-critics-13161646