In a dramatic finish to a closely contested match, Jude Bellingham’s last-minute heroics ensured England salvaged a 2-2 draw against Belgium at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday. The Real Madrid midfielder’s crucial goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time prevented England from succumbing to consecutive defeats, especially after a disappointing 1-0 loss to Brazil last Saturday.
Bellingham’s performance continues his remarkable season, marking his 22nd goal across all competitions and underscoring his vital role in Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead of this year’s European Championship.
“I knew the rubbish we would’ve got if we had lost two games on the bounce,” the midfielder candidly remarked, reflecting on the high stakes surrounding the match.
The game was a rollercoaster, with Belgium’s Youri Tielemans delivering two first-half goals that nearly secured the visiting team its first away win against England. The scene was set for a Belgium victory until Bellingham, following an assist from substitute James Maddison, navigated through a crowded box to slot the ball past Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels.
This goal not only was Bellingham’s third for his country but also his first at the iconic Wembley Stadium, a milestone that was met with jubilation by England manager Gareth Southgate and frustration by the substituted Tielemans, visibly agitated at the missed opportunity for Belgium.
England’s Jarrod Bowen praised the team’s performance, saying, “We did leave it late and kept everyone on their toes. It shows the resilience in the squad.” This spirit was evident as England fought back to level the score.
Since his transfer to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for a deal worth more than $139 million, Bellingham has quickly risen to become one of the most influential players in Europe. Leading the Spanish league in goals and playing a central role in both his club’s and country’s ambitions, his talent and leadership are undeniable.
The match itself was a spectacle of football, with Belgium initially taking the lead due to an error from England’s Jordan Pickford, which Tielemans capitalized on. England’s Ivan Toney responded with a penalty, bringing the game to a temporary stalemate until Tielemans’ second goal. Despite numerous chances, England struggled to find the net until Bellingham’s pivotal moment.
Reflecting on the game and the performance, Bellingham remained positive, stating, “We should be winning with all the chances we’ve made. But these are two games that will stand us in good stead. I’m sure the manager will be happy with how we played. You’re never happy with a loss or a draw but we have to be happy with how we played.”
An early concern for England was the injury to John Stones, who had to be substituted within the first 10 minutes, adding to Southgate’s challenges as he prepares his team for the European Championship.
Bellingham’s late equalizer not only shows his growing importance to England but also provided a thrilling climax to an intense match, reinforcing his status as a key figure for both club and country as they pursue glory in their respective competitions.
