Jude Bellingham reveals one thing England have done better than anyone at EURO 2024 ahead of final showdown against Spain
England midfielder Jude Bellingham has revealed the one thing that England have done better than any other side at EURO 2024. Ahead of their clash with Spain in the final of the tournament, the 20-year-old claimed that his side's togetherness and resistance were second to none.
Gareth Southgate's side have been pegged back on multiple occasions throughout the competition so far, but have risen to the occasion and showcased great resilience.
Against the Netherlands, they went down 1-0 in the seventh minute, when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) attacker Xavi Simons thundered a long-range effort into the top corner.
The Three Lions then upped the ante, winning a penalty in the 18th minute which was duly converted by Harry Kane. They kept creating chances, having a shot cleared off the line by Denzel Dumfries and even a goal from Bukayo Saka ruled out for offside.
Their perseverance paid off in the 90th minute, through substitutes Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins. The Chelsea attacker played the ball through for the Aston Villa marksman, who took a neat turn and fired it past Bart Verbruggen.
Speaking about his side's determination in a post-match interview with ITV, Bellingham said (via Birmingham Mail):
"We're going to get criticism when we don't play well but it's important that we build that resistance to it and we come together and win these games. We come together like no other team. We've delivered again. These moments are great. They bring us together as a team and a family. It's about bringing that into the final."
England have had a topsy-turvy run to the EURO 2024 final, with Jude Bellingham playing a starring role
The Three Lions had a poor group stage at EURO 2024. They scored only two goals in three games and played out draws with Denmark (1-1) and Slovenia (0-0). Their only win was against Serbia (1-0), with superstar midfielder Jude Bellingham scoring the winner.
Despite their sub-par performances, they finished atop their group and drew Slovakia in the Round of 16.
Slovak winger Ivan Schranz gave his side a shock lead in the 25th minute. Their defense held firm until the 95th minute, when Bellingham produced a magical overhead kick to force extra-time.
Harry Kane scored in the first minute of extra-time, and England held on to set up a quarterfinal date with Switzerland (July 6). Manager Gareth Southgate switched to a three-at-the-back system, but it didn't seemed to do any favours as the Swiss opened the scoring in the 75th minute.
Just five minutes later, however, Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka produced a sensational finish to tie proceedings. In the shootout, shotstopper Jordan Pickford saved the opening spot-kick from Manuel Akanji and all five English penalty-takers converted their attempts to win 5-3.
They came back from 1-0 down to overcome the Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-final (July 10) as well, setting up a final showdown with Spain in the process. The mouth-watering clash will be held at Berlin's Olympiastadion on July 14.