Jude Bellingham makes stance clear amid fears England star could be given Euro 2024 ban after Slovakia win
Jude Bellingham has insisted he didn't perform a rude gesture after England's 2-1 win over Slovakia at Euro 2024
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Jude Bellingham has insisted he didn't perform a rude gesture to the Slovakia bench during England's dramatic 2-1 win at Euro 2024 on Sunday.
The Three Lions were on the verge of heading out of the competition after Ivan Schranz put Slovakia ahead in the 25th minute.
But Bellingham netted a breathtaking overhead kick to force extra-time, with Harry Kane then popping up with a header to send England through.
After the game, England were jubilant.
🥱❌- An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.🤝🏽 https://t.co/H8sETMkPoi
— Jude Bellingham (@BellinghamJude) June 30, 2024
Their hopes of winning the competition remain alive, despite Gareth Southgate's side being unconvincing in all four of their matches at the tournament so far.
Bellingham was filmed appearing to make a gesture towards his pelvic area during the clash, sparking fears he could be slapped with a ban.
An account on X claimed that the youngster made the gesture to the Slovakia bench.
Yet Bellingham has insisted that isn't the case, with the England star saying it was an 'inside joke' between himself and some close friends.
He said: "An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.
"Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight."
Tempers did boil over at full time, with Declan Rice clashing with Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona.
A member of the Slovakia backroom staff also seemed to push the Arsenal midfielder in his throat.
But, fortunately, England trio Aaron Ramsdale, Ivan Toney and Ezri Konsa were all able to stop the situation from escalating - with Rice able to join in the celebrations with the rest of his team-mates.
England will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, with that match poised to take place on Saturday (5pm).
READ MORE:Jude Bellingham sends brutal message to critics after sensational England heroics in Slovakia win
And they'll need to up the ante if they're to beat the Swiss, who reached the last eight with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Italy on Saturday.
Bellingham, meanwhile, admitted that England had come close to 'letting the nation down'.
But he was delighted at their ability to turn the match around, saying: "You're 30 seconds from going home, having to listen to all the rubbish, feeling like you've let a nation of people down.
"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.
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Jude Bellingham netted a sensational overhead kick as England beat Slovakia at Euro 2024
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"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 said his goal was a 'message' to a few people, too.
"Playing for England is an enjoyable feeling, but it's also a lot of pressure," he added.
"You hear people talk a lot of rubbish and it's nice when you deliver.
"You can give them a little bit back.
Jude Bellingham celebrates with Harry Kane as England mounted a terrific comeback to beat Slovakia
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"Scoring goals, celebrating is my new release.
"It was maybe a message to a few people."