Emile Heskey has defended Jude Bellingham amid accusations of arrogance ahead of England’s Euro 2024 clash with Switzerland on Saturday night.
The 21-year-old impressed for the Three Lions in the 1-0 win over Serbia on matchday one, netting the only goal of the game on June 16.
And his sensational overhead kick forced extra-time against Slovakia on Sunday, with England going through to the quarter-finals after a thunderbolt header from captain Harry Kane.
After the game, Bellingham risked upsetting fans in a combative interview.
Euro 2024: Emile Heskey has defended England star Jude Bellingham ahead of Saturday’s clash with Switzerland
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The Real Madrid star lashed out at critics, insisting it had been tough for players to drown out the ‘negativity’ from outside.
As a result, some believe Bellingham might be getting too big for his boots.
Yet Heskey isn’t one of them and the former Liverpool star, speaking exclusively to GB News via 888Sport, has now backed the youngster.
“Jude has a just do attitude on the pitch,” he said.
“It’s a case of don’t overthink it on the pitch and he has confidence he can do great things.
“It’s not arrogance at all, it’s a belief in himself and what he can do on the pitch.
“It’s a case of ‘I’m going to be the man on the pitch to deliver.’
“He is young and you need the belief in yourself to deliver and that’s exactly what he did.”
Bellingham’s goal against Slovakia will live long in the memory.
It is right up there with David Beckham’s wonderful free-kick against Greece in 2001, with that strike seeing the Three Lions qualify for the World Cup the following year.
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Heskey played in that fixture and, though he believes Beckham’s goal is tough to beat, he does believe Bellingham’s moment of magic ‘runs it close’.
“It’s up there for sure,” he added.
“Given the nature of the timing of the goal, that it was in injury time of a knockout round of a major competition.
“It’s a massive goal and the pressure as well with England on the verge of defeat…
“But, I played in the game against Greece where Beckham scored his special free-kick so I would say it’s not better than that one, but runs it very close.”
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Euro 2024: Emile Heskey prefers David Beckham’s goal for England against Greece to Jude Bellingham’s amazing strike against Slovakia
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Another person to dominate the headlines this summer has been Gary Lineker.
The BBC host called the Three Lions ‘s**t’ after their 1-1 draw with Denmark earlier in the tournament.
Lineker has also criticised England after showings against Serbia, Slovenia and Slovakia, too.
But Heskey insists the 63-year-old is entitled to an opinion, insisting he’s simply doing what he’s paid to do.
“Critics will be critics. It’s what they are paid to do, so they have to give their opinion,” he said.
Euro 2024: Jude Bellingham will be hoping to start for England in their blockbuster clash with Switzerland this Saturday
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“They’ve played the game so they are entitled to their opinion.
“The toughest job is being on the touchline and for me the subs are being brought on a little too late.
“You see what Ivan Toney did when he came on. A little earlier and it could have been even better.”