“You’d be a little bit more embarrassed than they were, wouldn’t you?” - Pundit slams Jude Bellingham after Euro 2024 heroics vs Slovakia
English sports presenter Richard Keys criticized Jude Bellingham for his comments after England's 2-1 victory against Slovakia in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024 on June 30. The Real Madrid midfielder scored an impressive overhead kick equalizer moments before the final whistle, taking the match into extra time.
Slovakia opened the scoring in the 25th minute with forward Ivan Schranz's goal from an assist by David Strelec. The Three Lions looked toothless in attack and failed to land a shot on target until second-half stoppage time, when Bellingham scored the equaliser with an audacious attempt.
Captain Harry Kane gave England the lead in the first minute of extra time after being set up by substitute Ivan Toney, ensuring England's qualification for the Euro 2024 quarterfinals.
After netting the equalizer in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash, the 21-year-old midfielder celebrated by raising his arms and shouting "Who else?". During the post-match conference, Jude Bellingham addressed the criticism the Three Lions have received during the tournament and said (via SPORTbible):
"People talk a lot. You do have to take it personally a little bit. We work so hard at this game. We come in every day, we work hard to put on a performance for the fans, sometimes it doesn't go well and sometimes it feels like there's a a bit of a pile on, it's not nice to hear. But you can always use it and for moments like that, it's nice to throw it back to some people."
Richard Keys was far from impressed with the former Borussia Dortmund star's post-match comments and said (via SPORTbible):
"I wish he hadn't said that. We work really hard? What? An hour a day before you play football? Come on... I pride myself... I take myself seriously as the head of the celebration police. I did think that they overdid it yesterday."
"I understand the relief and getting through in the manner that they did, there is a rush of adrenaline that Bellingham mentioned. But you'd be a little bit more embarrassed than they were, wouldn't you? Thank everybody that has come to see us and get down the tunnel," added Richard Keys.
England will face Switzerland in the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 on June 6, at Merkur Spiel Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany.
Jude Bellingham explained his goal celebration during England's Euro 2024 Round of 16 win
Jude Bellingham talked about his goal celebration in England's 2-1 win against Slovakia in the Round of 16 of Euro 2024. In the post-match conference, the Real Madrid star said (via SPORTbible):
"It's a combination of a lot of things. Playing for England is an enjoyable feeling but it's also a lot of pressure. You hear people talk a lot of rubbish. It's nice when you can deliver and give them a little bit back."
"It's very difficult when you talk in press conferences and interviews to talk as openly as footballers want to because they're always judged. For me, football, being on the pitch, scoring goals and celebrating is my release. Maybe it was a message to a few people. I was very happy at the end, lots of adrenaline," added Jude Bellingham.
Jude Bellingham, who made his senior debut for England in 2020, has netted five goals and provided five assists in 33 appearances for his nation.