Jude Bellingham is proud that England came from behind to beat Netherlands 2-1 to reach UEFA Euro 2024 Final at his “special” former home.
Ollie Watkins struck a 90th minute winner to send England to a second consecutive Euros Final, after Harry Kane’s penalty cancelled out Xavi Simons’ seventh minute strike.
The achievement is extra special for midfielder, Jude Bellingham, given that it came at the 21 year-old’s former home – having played at Westfalenstadion, Dortmund, the home of his former team – Borussia Dortmund of who he played for between 2020 – 23.
“To be back here at this club that’s helped turn me into the man and the player that I am, I’m really grateful and it’s really nice to do it here in that sense,” commented Bellingham upon having played at Westfalenstadion for the first time since he left for Real Madrid in June 2023.
“It’s special for me, but the most important thing is we came out with the win, you know.”
Bellingham also praised Watkins for his late winner off the bench as a 81t minute substitute for Kane and showing the mentality needed to get England into the final.
“Finding a way, that character, mentality and the attitude of anyone can win us the game if they’re given the chance, and Ollie came on today and did that.
“I’m so happy for him. He came on, took his opportunity and I couldn’t be prouder of him really, as a team.
“We’re buzzing for him because I think people don’t understand that you come, you miss your holidays, you’re away from the family and you’re not starting every game like you would at your club.”
“It’s difficult and it can take a lot out of you if you don’t have the right mentality but Ollie absolutely does. And he’s got his reward tonight for it. He’s the hero and he saved us.”
Spain now await England on Sunday 14 July in Berlin which poses a huge challenge for Bellingham who knows many of their players from playing in La Liga, especially his Real teammate – Dani Carvajal plus now ex teammate, Nacho.
Bellingham therefore is refusing to take Spain lightly but is aware that the final is a single game where anyone can become the hero.
“They’ve looked really good but on a one-off game, anything can happen.
“We know our weapons and I’m sure we’ll do the right analysis. We’ll watch them, sit down and understand how they play as well
“Again though, they’re a great team with weapons of their own and it’ll be interesting to go toe-to- toe. We look forward to it.”
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