Jude Bellingham recently shared how advice from Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink played a crucial role in guiding him through England’s thrilling penalty shootout victory against Switzerland. This win not only propelled the Three Lions into the Euro 2024 semifinals but also served as a redemption of sorts, erasing the “awful memories” of England’s past failures in shootouts. The nation has a storied history of exiting major tournaments on penalties, with heartbreaking losses in 1990, 1996, 1998, and more recently, against Italy in the Euro final. However, under the leadership of Gareth Southgate, England has found success in shootouts, securing their third victory in four attempts on Saturday.
Bellingham, only 21 years old, admitted to having reservations about taking a penalty due to the haunting memories of past failures. However, with the guidance of Hasselbaink, a former Chelsea striker turned England coach, he found the confidence and preparation needed to step up when it mattered most. The young midfielder praised Hasselbaink for his invaluable insights and credited the entire team, including goalkeepers like Dean Henderson and Aaron Ramsdale, for their role in the team’s penalty practice sessions. Bellingham emphasized the collective effort and teamwork that contributed to England’s success, highlighting the behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed.
A Rollercoaster Tournament Journey
While Bellingham started the Euro 2024 tournament on a high note with a standout performance against Serbia, scoring the winning goal, he acknowledged that he struggled to maintain that level of play in subsequent matches. His stunning 95th-minute overhead kick against Slovakia saved England from elimination in the round-of-16 but also landed him in hot water with a fine and a suspended ban for a celebratory gesture. Reflecting on his overall performance, Bellingham described the tournament as “eventful,” admitting to ups and downs in his form. Despite his self-criticism, he expressed determination to bounce back and continue giving his all for the team.
Bellingham’s journey in the Euro 2024 tournament symbolizes resilience, growth, and the willingness to learn from past mistakes. His ability to overcome personal setbacks and contribute to England’s success in crucial moments underscores his potential as a key player for the national team. The guidance of experienced mentors like Hasselbaink, coupled with the support of his teammates, has played a vital role in shaping Bellingham’s development on the international stage. As he strives to reach new heights in his career, Bellingham’s commitment to self-improvement and dedication to the team’s goals are admirable qualities that bode well for his future in football.
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