'I Felt Like Ronaldo' - Bellingham's Overhead Kick Sends England Forward At Euro 2024
Jude Bellingham felt like Cristiano Ronaldo when he scored a spectacular overhead kick, sending England into extra time against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 round of 16. The Three Lions seemed destined for elimination until Bellingham's equaliser in the 95th minute. Harry Kane then secured the win with a goal in the first minute of extra time.
Bellingham admitted that while airborne, he compared himself to Ronaldo, who famously scored an overhead kick for Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final. "It was really instinct more than anything," Bellingham said on England's 'Diary Room' show. "It kind of fell in the perfect spot, and it was a little bit behind me."
The match had been drawing comparisons to England's early exit at Euro 2016 against Iceland until Bellingham's intervention. His strike was England's first on target, and he reflected on how close they came to being knocked out. He praised the team's belief for pushing through.
"When I was in the air, I thought, 'I'm six feet off the ground, and it's like Ronaldo!' But I've watched it back, and I still had one hand on the ground, so it wasn't the most acrobatic," Bellingham added. "But it was a nice contact. Definitely one of the most important and memorable moments of my career so far."
England will face Switzerland in their quarter-final on Saturday. If they advance, they will meet either the Netherlands or Turkiye in the semi-finals.
Emotional Rollercoaster
Bellingham described the experience as an emotional rollercoaster and not an enjoyable way to win a game. "You want to feel comfortable and in control, but you've got to find ways to win, even if it means overhead kicks in 90 plus five minutes," he said.
The difference in emotion was significant. "It's one minute being dead and buried, as I saw the Slovakia bench all ready to run on, and you feel a bit disheartened and a bit gutted," Bellingham explained. "It's not the way I would've wanted it to end—I'm having a good time here with all the lads and staff—and one moment later, it all changes."
He continued by saying that once they scored, they started believing they could create another chance. Fortunately for them, they did.
Special goal. Special player.
— England (@England) July 1, 2024
Harry Kane later described Bellingham's strike as one of the best in England's history.
The Madrid man noted how close England came to an exit but praised their belief for getting over the line.
This victory sets up an exciting quarter-final clash against Switzerland.
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