Jude Bellingham speaks out after appearing to aim lewd gesture at Slovakia bench while celebrating spectacular England equaliser in drama-filled Euro 2024 last-16 tie

Bellingham scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser for England on Sunday as the Three Lions came from behind to beat Slovakia 2-1 at Euro 2024. The Real Madrid superstar netted with a brilliant overhead kick to force extra-time in Gelsenkirchen. England captain Harry Kane went on to net the winner and send Gareth Southgate's men into the quarter-finals.

After the match, footage emerged on social media which appeared to show Bellingham aiming a lewd gesture at the Slovakia bench as he celebrated his equaliser. However, the Real Madrid superstar was quick to set the record straight by explaining his actions in a post on X.

Bellingham posted 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."

There was a clash between England and Slovakia after the match. Declan Rice was left fuming after being pushed in the chest by Slovakia manager Francesco Calzona as tempers flared after an eventful game.

England fans will hope to see Bellingham celebrating again next time out as Gareth Southgate's side go on to play Switzerland in the last 16 of Euro 2024 on Saturday in Dusseldorf. He is expected to avoid a UEFA ban despite his lewd 'inside joke'.