Euro 2024

JUDE BELLINGHAM has defended the controversial gesture he made after scoring for England against Slovakia.The midfielder had been accused of taunting the opposition bench after celebrating his dramatic stoppage time equaliser on Sunday.Jude Bellingham has defended the controversial gesture he made after scoringCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footbalIfights / 343 DigitalThe England midfielder had been accused of taunting the Slovakia benchCredit: X formerly Twitter / @footbalIfights / 343 DigitalBellingham’s overhead kick sent the match to extra-time, where Harry Kane grabbed the winner to send England through.However, the 21-year-old’s celebration also created a talking point on social media.As he walked back to the centre circle, Bellingham could be seen gesturing towards the side of the pitch.He shook his hand in front of his crotch and smiled, with the video later posted online amid claims he had gestured towards the Slovakia bench.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Bellingham shut down the accusations by responding himself.He wrote on X: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game.”Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”Bellingham also included a yawning, ‘X’ and handshake emoji alongside his post.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAs well as scoring, Bellingham was also awarded the player of the match award after the match.He capped his display with the equaliser, before sending fans wild with his celebration.The Sun’s Charlie Wyett gives his thoughts as England scrape passed Slovakia by ‘skin of their teeth’The best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.Bellingham pulled off his trademark arms raised pose after shouting “Who else?” towards the crowd in Gelsenkirchen.The former Birmingham starlet also joined in with Kane to recreate his celebration following the winning goal.Meanwhile, his strike takes his tally at the tournament to two alongside a header in the win against Serbia.England will now turn their attention to Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland.The Swiss booked their place in the last eight by beating Italy on Saturday.England ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time. More

ENGLAND fans spotted one of football’s biggest quirks after a dramatic Euro 2024 victory over Slovakia.The Three Lions pulled off a late comeback to beat Francesco Calzona’s men 2-1 at the AufSchalke Arena in Gelsenkirchen.England fans spotted one of football’s biggest quirks after the win over SlovakiaEngland made it to the quarter-finals thanks to goals by Jude Bellingham and Harry KaneIvan Schranz opened the scoring after 25 minutes during a shambolic first half by Gareth Southgate’s side.And just as England seemed bound for a shock elimination, Jude Bellingham saved his team’s blushes with a stunning overhead kick at the death.That led to extra time where captain Harry Kane immediately completed the comeback to send Southgate’s side to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.However, it was those goals that led to fans questioning football’s bizarre timing system.Read More on FootballBellingham technically equalised in the 95th minute of normal time before Kane’s extra-time winner, which (obviously) happened after the equaliser but counted as the 91st minute.Fans stormed social media where they quipped about England’s success that bent time itself.One fan tweeted: “1-1, Bellingham. 95. 2-1, Kane. 91. What even is time?”Another commented: “The bizarre timing system of football. Jude scores after 94, before Kane scores after 91.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third posted: “Southgate resorting to time travel.”This one said: “Bellingham is so good that can score goals in the future.”SunSport’s Latest Euro 2024 headlinesAnd that one quipped: “Back to future!!!”England player ratings v Slovakia.Here’s SunSport’s England player ratings, brought to you by Tom Barclay in GelsenkirchenJordan Pickford: 5Kyle Walker: 4John Stones: 4Marc Guehi: 5Kieran Trippier: 4Declan Rice: 5Kobbie Mainoo: 6Bukayo Saka: 5Jude Bellingham: 7 Phil Foden: 4Harry Kane: 6SUBSCole Palmer: 7Eberechi Eze: 6Ivan Toney: 7Conor Gallagher: 6Ezri Konsa: 6MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3. More

HARRY KANE has revealed that England worked on long throws in training this week.The Three Lions scraped past Slovakia 2-1 in Gelsenkirchen to book a Euro 2024 quarter-final date with Switzerland next Saturday.Harry Kane explained England’s secret weaponCredit: ITVKyle Walker hurled in a long throwCredit: ITVJude Bellingham scored a dramatic overhead kickCredit: ReutersGareth Southgate’s side trailed going into stoppage time, before Jude Bellingham’s dramatic 94th minute equaliser.Bellingham’s volley came from a Kyle Walker long throw, which was headed on Marc Guehi.The Brummy-born Real Madrid star subsequently ran to Kane, even urging him to perform his trademark arms outstretched celebration with him.Kane then bagged a header of his own less than a minute into extra time, with his goal enough to see England grab a 2-1 win.READ MORE ON EURO 2024After the match, the Three Lions skipper spoke to ITV’s Gabriel Clarke.During the interview, he revealed that Walker’s long throw wasn’t merely an act of desperation, and that they had worked on it during the week.The Bayern Munich forward, 30, said: “We work on so many details throughout the week.”We put in a long throw late, a couple of days ago, thinking we might need it.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”Be prepared for anything, and then Jude does what Jude does and what an unbelievable goal – he’s kept our tournament alive.”On the Real Madrid star’s goal, he went on to add: “Jude Bellingham’s is of the best in our country’s history.Ian Wright and Gary Neville go wild after Bellingham’s England equaliser… as eagle-eyed fans spot Roy Keane’s reaction”What a player he is. He works so hard. In the big moments he steps up. He did that today.”In this competition you have to find a way to win. This team knows how to dig deep. We could have played better.”But ultimately it’s a results business. Hopefully we can take that momentum further.”Southgate, 53, later added to the BBC: “I had a funny feeling the game wasn’t dead and I know that sounds ridiculous. We were pushing and probing.”Ultimately it is the one we have thrown in the box that got us the goal.”Gareth Southgate’s side live to fight another day at Euro 2024Credit: Alamy More

JORDAN PICKFORD appeared to wear a confused expression as Gareth Southgate made his second substitution against Slovakia.The England boss, 53, left it late to make changes during his side’s Euro 2024 round of 16 clash.Jordan Pickford looked confused by the substitutionEberechi Eze replaced Kobbie Mainoo on 84 minutesCredit: ReutersPundits Roy Keane and Gary Neville called on Southgate to “rip up his plan” at half-time and try something new.But he didn’t make a change until the 66th minute, when he brought Cole Palmer on for Kieran Trippier, moving Bukayo Saka to left-back in the process.His next substitution came in the 84th minute, and appeared to prompt some confusion.Southgate’s second roll of the dice saw him bring on Eberechi Eze for Kobbie Mainoo.READ MORE ON EURO 2024As the change occurred, goalkeeper Pickford appeared to frown and hold his hands out in confusion.Seeing the Everton stopper’s reaction on TV, a social media user wrote: “Wait did Pickford and Stones just look confused at that sub??? Nah Southgate is too funny.”While a second added: “John Stones and Pickford are even confused with that Mainoo sub.”Southgate waited until four minutes into six added on to make his third change, throwing on Ivan Toney for Phil Foden.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJust moments later, the Three Lions found a lifeline.Kyle Walker’s long-throw was flicked on by Marc Guehi, with Jude Bellingham volleying England level with a stunning overhead kick.Gary Neville blasts Southgate’s tactics ‘should be illegal’ and demands THREE England subs against SlovakiaThe match subsequently went into extra time, with Harry Kane scoring less than a minute after the restart.At half-time of extra time, Southgate boldly subbed both of his goalscorers, replacing Bellingham and Kane with Conor Gallagher and Ezri Konsa.England held on to win 2-1, scraping past Slovakia to book a quarter-final with Switzerland next Saturday.Prior to today’s match, Pickford had suffered an injury scare.The Three Lions No1 appeared to hurt his left wrist in the warm-up, but was good to go come game time.Pickford celebrates England’s extra time winCredit: Reuters More

DECLAN RICE had to be held back during heated full-time scenes after England’s win over Slovakia.Aaron Ramsdale was forced to pull his Arsenal team-mate away from Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona.Declan Rice had to be held back during a clash with Slovakia staff at full-timeCredit: GettyRice was involved in a heated altercation with Slovakia boss Francesco CalzonaCredit: GettyThe pair were involved in a confrontation on the pitch following the final whistle in Gelsenkirchen.Calzona had stormed onto the pitch in a bid to speak to referee Umut Meler at the end of extra-time.However, as he approached the official, Rice could be seen gesturing to Calzona not to bother.The Slovakia boss responded by pushing Rice, before another member of the coaching team shoved the England man away.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSA furious Rice then had to be held back by Ramsdale as his team-mates diffused the situation.Calzona was later asked about the incident during his post-match interview.He told reporters: “Rice was supposed to go to the referees and leave.”I had to speak to the refs and he wasn’t leaving, he carried on. But then he apologised and it was all fine.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.As for England’s antics late on, he added: “I didn’t like the way the England team were wasting time was not punished.”The Slovakia boss has been in charge since 2022, with Euro 2024 his first major tournament as manager.Ian Wright and Gary Neville go wild after Bellingham’s England equaliser… as eagle-eyed fans spot Roy Keane’s reactionEngland ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time.He also spent the last three months of the season balancing his job with a role as Napoli boss.The Italian had previously been the club’s assistant manager under Maurizio Sarri between 2015 and 2018.As for Rice, he remains ever-present for England in Germany after playing the full 90 minutes as well as extra-time.The 25-year-old is likely to keep his place for the quarter-final clash with Switzerland on Saturday.Calzona had attempted to confront the officials after Slovakia’s loss to EnglandCredit: ITVMembers of the Slovakia coaching team were also involved in the altercationCredit: ITVWho will start alongside him is less certain, though, with Kobbie Mainoo starting against Slovakia.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher have also partnered Rice in midfield so far in the tournament.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland booked their place in the last eight in dramatic fashion, with Jude Bellingham equalising in stoppage time.His goal was then followed by Harry Kane’s winner just one minute into the additional period.EURO 2024 LIVE: KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM GERMANY More

IAN WRIGHT and Gary Neville enjoyed passionate celebrations after Jude Bellingham’s equalising goal against Slovakia.The England star netted a last-gasp stunning overhead kick to save the Three Lions Euro 2024 dreams.Ian Wright and Gary Neville loved Jude Bellingham’s goal against SlovakiaCredit: ITVAs the pair celebrated, fans spotted Roy Keane’s reactionThe Irishman was very subdued with his reactionCredit: ITVThe best of England vs SlovakiaCHECK out all the best action from England’s rollercoaster Euro 2024 last-16 win over Slovakia.Ivan Schranz had netted in the first half to put Slovakia ahead and it had looked like England were set for an early exit.However, Bellingham’s 95th-minute goal made sure to keep England alive and force extra-time.Neville and Wright’s reaction to the goal was shared on social media.The pair were both screaming and hugging in delight.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSBut eagle-eyed fans could not help but notice Roy Keane’s subdued reaction.The Irishman kept his arms crossed and walked away from the screen showing the match.One fan posted: “Keane lol.”A second wrote: “Roy Keane not happy haha.”Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA third commented: “Keane disgusted at the noise emanating from Neville.”A fourth said: “Roy being Roy.”Watch Jude Bellingham’s ‘coldest celebration ever’ after stunning overhead kick to save England from Euro 2024 exitEngland ratings: Bellingham rescues woeful Three Lions as big names, and manager, have a shockerJUDE BELLINGHAM’S majestic overhead kick deep into stoppage time saved England from a humiliating Euros exit.Gareth Southgate’s side had been utterly woeful and looked to be heading home thanks to Ivan Schranz’s clever finish.But Bellingham came to the rescue in the 96th minute, brilliantly firing into the corner after Marc Guehi had flicked on Kyle Walker’s long throw.Remarkably, it was England’s first shot on target, summing how poor they had been.But another one came soon after, as 53 seconds into extra-time, Harry Kane headed home from close range to set up a quarter-final with Switzerland.It was as close a shave as it comes, and if they play like this against the Swiss, then they will be toast.Here’s how Tom Barclay rated England’s stars… and manager Southgate.Jordan Pickford: 5Appeared to hurt his left hand when taking a big whack in the warm-up, but still played. Fired a lot of long balls and was lucky not to be lobbed by David Strelec’s 45-yard strike.Kyle Walker: 4England’s second-most experienced player had a shocker. He looked uncharacteristically slow, his touch was heavy and his crossing was nowhere near good enough. But it was his long throw that led to Bellingham’s magic.John Stones: 4Said it was time for the senior pros to step up in the build-up to the game, but there was little sign of that until Bellingham did his thing, and he is only 21. Stones fired aimless long balls, gave it away and it was his mistake that almost led to Strelec’s trying his luck from range.Marc Guehi: 5Booked early after Kieran Trippier’s underhit pass meant he had to take out the excellent David Strelec, meaning he is out of the quarter-final. Ivan Schranz bamboozled him for Slovakia’s opener but his flick-on to Bellingham brought the leveller.Kieran Trippier: 4When Jude Bellingham’s good ball found Trippier on the edge of the box early doors, on his favoured right foot, you thought, ‘Here we go’. He smashed it into Row Z.Declan Rice: 5An old-school reducer on Juraj Kucka was a fair tackle, even if it left the 37-year-old hobbling. His curling effort with ten minutes to go cracked against the post.Kobbie Mainoo: 6FIRST start at a major tournament and our only decent performer in an horrendous first half from England. Blasted a volley over but was also booked for a late tackle.Bukayo Saka: 5We all know what a fantastic player Saka is for Arsenal, and for England in games gone by, but he rarely threatened here. Did go the distance though, and in a number of positions.Jude Bellingham: 7 and STAR MANCometh the hour, cometh the man. He had underwhelmed again until the 96th minute, but who cares when you step up like that.Phil Foden: 4Thought he had levelled early in the second half but his tap-in was ruled out by VAR after he was caught being, inexplicably, offside. Just off it all night, in danger of being dropped.Harry Kane: 6Still way off his best – he was nowhere to be seen in the first half and missed a free header after the break – but got it right when it counted in extra time.SUBSTITUTIONSCole Palmer (on for Kieran Trippier, 66): 7FANS were on their feet applauding when Southgate finally made a change and brought him on. So lively and with a lovely delivery, must be in with a chance of starting against the Swiss.Eberechi Eze (on for Kobbie Mainoo, 84): 6Did enough to put off Slovak full-back Peter Pekarik from turning home at close range in extra-time. Looked like he had been hit by a train when Denis Vavro walloped into him.Ivan Toney (on for Phil Foden, 90): 7GRABBED the assist for Kane’s winner by flicking on after a free-kick – which he had won with his strength – had been cleared.Conor Gallagher (on for Harry Kane, 105): 6Southgate rolled the dice in extra-time by trying to shut the game out, taking his captain off for the Chelsea midfielder.Ezri Konsa (on for Jude Bellingham, 105): 6Ditto to Gallagher as Konsa got his first minutes of the tournament in place of the hero Bellingham, which felt a risky strategy.MANAGERGareth Southgate: 3.A lucky, lucky man. Tactically, his team were all long ball, lacked any movement, and did not conjure up a shot on target until Bellingham’s wonder strike – and that came from Walker chucking it in the mixer. Subs took ages in the 90 and then felt risky as he sought to see the game out in extra-time.Another added: “Roy kills me.”It got even better for England as Harry Kane netted the go-ahead goal just a minute into extra time.They were able to hold on to the result and seal their spot in the quarter-finals.England face Switzerland in the next round after they dismantled Italy 2-0. More