Revealed: What Jude Bellingham plans to tell UEFA investigation about lewd gesture as England star seeks to avoid Euro 2024 ban

Bellingham scored a stunning overhead kick to take England's last-16 Euro 2024 tie with Slovakia into extra-time - a game they eventually won 2-1. In his celebration, the 21-year-old appeared to make a lewd gesture towards Slovakia's bench, but the Real Madrid star said it was an "inside joke" directed at his friends attending the match. UEFA decided to pursue this matter further, with the governing body looking into whether Bellingham violated the rules of "decent conduct". Now, The Telegraph states the Three Lions ace will not deviate from his stance when questioned by UEFA.

After the match, Bellingham tweeted: "🥱❌- An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight (Sunday).🤝🏽"

Crucially for England, the report adds Bellingham is 'not expected' to receive a suspension - if indeed he is punished at all. Slovakia have reportedly not complained to UEFA about the gesture and have not commented on the matter. That means the ex-Borussia Dortmund player may be free to play against Switzerland in England's quarter-final Euro 2024 tie on Saturday.

Bellingham's England side take on Switzerland at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf on Saturday evening. The Swiss eased past Italy in a 2-0 victory at the weekend to reach the last eight of the competition.