Thibaut Courtois and Sergio Aguero react as Jude Bellingham scores stunning goal for England at Euro 2024
Jude Bellingham's stunning late equaliser for England had Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero in awe. The 21-year-old midfielder pulled off an unbelievable overhead kick in the 90+5th minute to send the game into extra time.
Courtois tweeted:
"Judeeee (exploding head emoji)"
While Aguero typed:
"Bellingham J. (clapping hand emojis)"
It was turning out to be a forgettable night for England, who faced certain elimination from Euro 2024 after Ivan Schranz had given Slovakia the lead in the first half. Slovakia were defending well while Gareth Southgate's men lacked any sort of attacking impetus.
However, in the 90+5th minute, Marc Guehi flicked a header on from a long throw from Kyle Walker and Bellingham was there to put it in the back of the net with a splendid acrobatic effort. The goal was the side's first shot on target, indicating their attacking woes.
They turned the game around quickly in extra time, scoring in the 91st minute to make it 2-1. Substitute Ivan Toney nodded the ball on for Harry Kane, who headed home from close range to ensure England progressed to the quarter-finals, where they will face Switzerland.
Harry Kane opens up on Jude Bellingham equaliser as England progress to quarters of Euro 2024
England striker Harry Kane said that the side had practised long throws ahead of their Round of 16 clash against Slovakia. The practice proved to be vital as it lead to Jude Bellingham's sensational goal in the 90+5th minute.
Speaking after the game, he said (via ITV):
“That’s the desire and attitude from the boy and staff, everyone involved. It was tough for second there but we kept going. We work on so many details and put in a long throw a couple of days ago and said we might need it. Jude did what he does and he kept our tournament alive.”
“It’s one of the best in our country’s history. What a player, he works so hard. In the big moments he steps up. You need that and he did it today.”
The Three Lions were staring at a disappointing exit after a poor performance in the first 90 minutes that saw them fail to register a single shot on target. However, the Real Madrid man came up clutch late in the game.
The result means Gareth Southgate's side will face Switzerland in the next stage in the knockouts. Murat Yakin's side beat Italy 2-0 (June 29) to progress to the last eight.