'Really good performance' - Jude Bellingham bizarrely claims England had 'massive control' throughout gruelling Slovakia tie as he addresses 'negative energy' around Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad

England were forced to come from behind to see off Slovakia at Euro 2024 and book a spot in the quarter-finals. Bellingham's last-gasp equaliser forced extra-time, before Harry Kane netted the winner to end Slovakia's dreams of European Championship glory.

England may have won but fans were once again critical of their team's performance, particularly in the first half as the Three Lions went in at the break 1-0 down. Bellingham's equaliser came in the 95th minute and was England's first shot on target, which highlights the team's problems during the game. However, speaking after the win, Bellingham said he felt his team had played well and claimed they had been in control of the match.

He told ITV Sport: “A good win, through to the next round. Very happy. It’s been tough the last week or so to keep the negative energy out of the camp. I think today they will have been ready for us. We showed the character that England’s missed. It’s very important to get through.

“I think the performance was really good until their goal and even after. We had massive control of the game, always threatening in the final third, maybe just lacking the final touch to create big chances. It’s going to be important for us going forward, definitely.

“Look at who came on. We’ve won this game together. Not me, not Harry, not the individual moments. It’s the likes of Ivan Toney, Eberechi Eze, Cole Palmer - Bukayo Saka going to left-back. It’s the sacrifice you make for the team and that’s the energy we need to keep regardless of what goes on.”

Bellingham has been in inspirational form for club and country this season and England will look to the 21-year-old again in the quarter-finals. Southgate's side face a Switzerland team fresh from beating reigning champions Italy next but will surely need to improve on their showing against Slovakia if they are to progress.