Jude Bellingham grabbed all the headlines yesterday, and for obvious reasons, as the Real Madrid superstar scored potentially the Euro 2024 Goal of the Tournament in the last minute to save England from a round of 16 elimination.
The Three Lions were 1-0 down with only a few seconds remaining on the clock when the 21-year-old scored with an overhead kick to equalize and take the game into extra time.
Harry Kane ultimately netted the winner immediately after extra time kicked off but none of this would have been possible had it not been for Bellingham's heroics.
However, the midfielder came under scrutiny after allegedly aiming an obscene gesture at the Slovakian bench following his goal. A clip began circulating on social media in which he gestures towards his private part, though it is not clear whether he was aiming it at the opposition's bench from the video alone.
This accusation picked up traction on social media. However, the player eventually got involved and took to X (formerly Twitter) to dispel the claims.
According to the Englishman, his gesture was not aimed at the Slovakians. Instead, he argues that it was an inside joke between him and close friends who were present at the game.
- 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
Nonetheless, UEFA has opened an investigation into the situation, which is a concern for the Three Lions. Additionally, Declan Rice clashed with Slovakia head coach Francesco Calzona following the full-time whistle but European football's governing body is unlikely to intervene over that matter.
UEFA has opened an investigation into 'a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct' by Jude Bellingham after his celebrations yesterday. pic.twitter.com/jKplwcgqaw
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 1, 2024
Next up for the Three Lions is a quarterfinal showdown with Switzerland. While Southgate's men exited Sunday's round of 16 on a high thanks to their dramatic comeback, the continental giants continue to disappoint on the pitch with their performance.
Bellingham's stoppage-time equalizer was the team's first shot on target throughout that entire match, perfectly summing up how poor Southgate's men were. Saturday's showdown with Switzerland presents them with an opportunity to make amends.